Proverbs 14:16

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about being discerning:

Proverbs 14:16 (NASBStr)

A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil,

But a fool is arrogant and careless.

Proverbs 14:16 (NIV1984)

A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil,

but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

Proverbs 14:16 (ESV)

16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

Our ability to step away from evil is a gift from God.  Through faith we take on the armor of God.   The shield of faith enables us to quench the darts of the wicked.   That is the message of this proverb.   Again, we have to remember that Jesus is Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1).   So, a man filled with the Spirit of Christ is "cautious and turns" from evil.   On the opposite side of things the fool is filled with his sin.   He has rejected wisdom (Christ) and therefore has no bearings.  He/she has no compass.   They cannot find their way.   They run "hotheaded and reckless" right into sin.   The wise person (filled with Christ) is given by God a compass.    We are not wise by our choices.  We are wise by God's filling.   We don't get to the point to turn away from evil by our choices.  We get there by being wise.   We get wise by being filled with the Person of Wisdom: Christ.   Put your faith in Christ today for wisdom.