The Simple and the Prudent

For Monday, November 28, 2005
Proverbs 14:15

The simple believes everything,
but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

The simple believes the advertisements that happiness, sex appeal, and popularity are found in merchandise, especially expensive merchandise. The simple buys into the messages of pop music and media, because they are expressed with passion. The simple believes whatever appeals to his senses and promises him happiness without change or cost. The believes everything, not because he is intellectually incapable of sifting for the truth, but because he is most affected by flattery. As long as someone appeals to him in a flattering manner, he will believe the message, provided that the message also is flattering to him.

The prudent knows to hesitate over anything that appears too good to be true. But his real motivation is knowing and abiding by the truth. How real is that motivation? The simple test is his reaction to the Truth - Jesus Christ. Many profess a love for truth, but their response to Christ reveal how much love they truly have. Thus, there are many who seem prudent, who reject much of what popular culture teaches; nevertheless, they also are as the simple, who yield to Satan's flattery that they are wise even while being blind.