The prudent sees danger and hides himself,

    but the simple go on and suffer for it.

Proverbs 22:3 ESV

The message here is not to live in fear. Rather, it is to be aware of your circumstances. In this verse a prudent, or wise, person understands his circumstances and avoids the danger. The simple press on and suffer the consequences.

An example that comes to mind occurred in a children’s ministry area, which hosted 3-5 year old children. The church was doing some remodeling in this area, and my wife noticed some uncapped electric wires protruding from the wall in the play area. In this case, she was prudent. In other words, she recognized the circumstances and avoided playing with those open wires. On the other hand, it would be naive to think a 4 year-old would have the same understanding to avoid those wires. And, by not avoiding those wires, that 4-year-old would suffer the consequences.

This is a warning for our spiritual well-being as well. It is so easy to put our souls in danger by not recognizing the traps set by Satan. Or by simply pressing forward in an area of temptation, thinking “I can’t fall to this.”

Lord, help us to be more conscientious and wise about our surroundings that we may respond appropriately.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,

    but the Lord weighs the heart.

Proverbs 21:2 ESV

Man has an amazing ability to justify his actions or thoughts. However, we must be cautious in this regard because of the nature of sin and its effects upon us. Ultimately, the Lord will sort things out, identifying our true motives and desires.

In the meantime, we are not left without guidance. Proverbs 119:105 suggests one important guide: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Philippians 2:3 is another: “Do nothing from selfish ambition, but in humility, consider others more significant than yourself.”

Using God’s word as a guide and walking in humility are two helpful ways of increasing the chance that “my way” is not just right in my own eyes, but also in the eyes of the Lord.

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,

    but a faithful man who can find?

Proverbs 20:6 ESV

It’s easy to say, it’s hard to do. Integrity matters. Be a man who does what he says.

Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;

    he who keeps understanding will discover good.

Proverbs 19:8 ESV

One of the ways to demonstrate appropriate self-love is to get sense. In other words, pamper yourself by getting wisdom. That may sound strange since we usually think of getting pampered at the spa or at a dinner marking a special occasion.

Following the theme of Proverbs, are you caring for your soul appropriately by pursing wisdom?

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;

    he breaks out against all sound judgment.

Proverbs 18:1 ESV

Everybody needs a break from people at some point. Even Jesus took time alone to be refreshed. The writer is not talking about that type of isolation He is talking about those who isolate themselves from the wisdom of others. He suggest that people are motivated to this type of isolation for their own desires, which speaks of pride and selfishness.

Beware of the desire to go-it-alone. Here are some other verses that support this idea:

Proverbs 11:14 ESV – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls,but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

Proverbs 15:22 ESV – “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Proverbs 24:6 ESV – “… without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”