Proverbs 14:16-17
When we are wise we have respect for God, and a fear of what we ourselves are capable of doing. We will be cautious; being aware of the pitfalls of life, so as to not fall into them. We will be mindful of who God is, we will love Him and want to serve Him with our lives. Seeking God’s direction, though His word, by communication with Him, helps us to avoid evil! We will remain humble before our God.
The contrast of seeking God is becoming confident in our own abilities, puffed up in our own understanding and pride; we plunge headlong into reckless behavior, shutting God out of our plans. We make decisions on our own, in our own knowledge. Helter skelter, with reckless confidence in ourselves.
In Psalm 71:5 we read, For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust and the source of my confidence. . .
The book of Proverbs is full of contrasts, so many warnings and instructions on how to behave. Just in these two verses alone we are instructed, “Be wise, prepare for what’s ahead, don’t be angry and do foolish things, don’t scheme and plan wickedness.”
We read, we study, we know . . . now we must act!
So let us choose to put our confidence in God today. To let Him direct our steps as we walk through our day with Him. He is our hope and confidence!