Good Judgement vs. Self-Harm  –  Proverbs in Practice

Soon, former procrastinators, we’ll be back to our “regular” ways of waging battle against delay.  First, we have just a few more proverbs to think about. 

“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”  Proverbs 19:14

Physical inheritances like property and money are things to be grateful for. When I think how important it is to elders to leave something to their children or grandchildren, I appreciate their hearts.  Now I see for the first time the heart of God that gives a prudent wife to a man.

Why is a prudent wife important?  The definition of prudent reveals her value.  “Careful or wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgement or common sense, discreet, wise in action, recognizing consequences.”  (Condensed from American Heritage Dictionary online.) Back to Proverbs 31.  The heart of her husband safely trusts in her.  He can be confident she will not speak ill of him or tell private information or spend frivolously.  She will tend to their business with diligence.

How wonderful that we can grow in being prudent.  We can learn to be this treasure from the Lord. Paying attention to practical matters (child rearing, additional work, housekeeping, meals, decluttering, etc.) makes us more a gift from the Lord. When we don’t feel like it but we do the job anyway, we are being diligent right then.  That’s encouraging.

“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.”  Proverbs 25:14

Ouch.  I’m guilty of saying I will get something for somebody and I don’t.  It’s not keeping my word.  Clouds with no rain are a disappointment.  The farmer is hopeful, but nothing comes.  I have to think back and see where I need to make good on my word.

“Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.”  Proverbs 26:11

This is pretty yucky.  It shows us how foolish and undesirable some behaviors are. Vomit means something was toxic or otherwise bad for the dog. His body got rid of it.  That was good.  Then he goes back to it!  If you’ve ever seen this, you know it’s gross.  Dogs don’t have the ability to think about this like humans do, nor do they have the power of the Holy Spirit within them as a believer does.  We’re so blessed we do not have to behave this way.

Remembering this proverb will surely help us maintain positive changes we’ve made in our lives.  It’s prudent to avoid falling back into something harmful.  Habitual overeating, reaccumulating stuff, complaining attitudes, procrastinating – whatever it is, God will cleanse us from all unrighteousness when we ask forgiveness.  We repent.  We turn from the old unhealthy ways and walk in the light as the new man. That’s a powerful privilege His children enjoy.

In what area are you slipping back into harmful behavior?  How will you walk away?