Some Thoughts From Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22:3

³ The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
    but the simple go on and suffer for it.

The “prudent'" are those informed by both the Word and the Law. The fact of their being prudent is no accident. They both receive and follow good counsel.

What is most interesting about this verse is the fruit of this prudence. Their insight has given foresight. They foresee danger. It is well said that hindsight is 20/20. But there the wise man gives that advantage to "the prudent."

It is well to learn from experience but it can be very painful. What the writer describes here is the "just say no" attitude. I pride myself on being a great muddy road driver. The first rule for driving in mud is “don't go there”. Stay on the paved highway. That is easy.

Foreseeing danger is not always easy or popular, but it is always profitable. Two things result from this foresight.

1. You do not wear the reputation of the sample.

2. You escape the suffering that the danger presents.

 We find here a teacher better than experience.