Give Thought To What You Hear

Proverbs 14:15  "The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps."

        Do you believe everything you hear?  Do you think that if it's on the internet, then it's true?  Do you think the news is unbiased in its presentation of true events? No, No, No!!!  I hope you have a level of discernment as to not be gullible or easily persuaded. 

        The book of Proverbs is a book of instructions to wise living.  It is NOT a book of promises or guarantees, but instruction in terms of generalities.  Proverbs is meant to be referenced to in all stages of life by everyone.  It covers many topics concerning the righteous way of life versus the wicked and unrighteous ways of life.

        We, as humans, are so quick to think we are right most of the time.    Proverbs 17:28  "Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues."  We avoid foolishness by humbling ourselves and accepting and heeding wise advice.   Proverbs 18:15  "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out."

        From M. Henry's commentary..."It is wisdom to be cautious: The prudent man will try before he trusts, will weigh both the credibility of the witness and the probability of the testimony, and then give judgment as the thing appears or suspend his judgment till it appears. Prove all things, and believe not every spirit."       

        God's chosen are often referred to as His sheep or flock and He is our Shepherd.  We must be aware and discerning of the wolves in sheep's clothing.  These 'wolves' twist God's word into a self-serving, false doctrine and they leave out the justice of God in dealing with sin.    "Jesus’ words: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). False teachers do not bear the fruit of God’s Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Rather, they “walk according to the flesh . . . and despise authority” (2 Peter 2:10). They are bold, egotistical, and given to greed (vv.10,14). Ruled by their own desires, they exploit people by using “deceptive words” (v.3). The Bible says these wayward spiritual leaders are headed for destruction and will take many unsuspecting and undiscerning people with them (vv.1-2)." odb.org
       We must test our heart, thoughts, and actions against God's Word.  Sin begins when we start justifying it and rationalizing why God would be accepting of it... and He never is. When we recognize deception and temptation, let our every step be guided by truth as we flee from the lies of the devil.

The devil is cunning, deceptive, and sly;

He’s clever; he tricks us to swallow his lie.

But his crafty methods we’re sure to discern

If we make God’s warnings our daily concern. —D. De Haan