“Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge, But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see].” 

Proverbs 13:16 AMP

In today’s verse we see the importance of making sound and sensible decisions! Our verse opens with the word “prudent.” This Hebrew word means to “act in regard to discerning, sensible action pertaining to wisdom in the management of affairs, showing capacity for understanding.” We must then look at the subject of this action, acting with knowledge! The word knowledge here is specific in targeting “knowledge with a focus on moral qualities and its application.” Once again, we are not talking about mental ascents but rather moral codes by which one lives and the application of them to one’s life. I love the word used there to describe this kind of person, self-disciplined! 

Living a disciplined life can be a challenging thing. Our flesh is constantly at war with our spirit. Paul warned the church in Galatia of this very thing.

“But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. 17For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do”

Galatians 5:16-17 AMP

Notice that the key to this walk is to “walk HABITUALLY in the Holy Spirit,” seeking to be responsive to His guidance! According to this verse there are two types of real desires in our lives, sinful and godly. Once we receive salvation, our minds are renewed, and we can clearly see the error of our previous ways! The verse tells us that we will always be in conflict with our sin nature, but we must master it. I am reminded about the warning God gave to Cain after his sacrifice was rejected.

“And the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you so angry? And why do you look annoyed? 7If you do well [believing Me and doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Me], will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well [but ignore My instruction], sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it.” 

Genesis 4:6-7 AMP

God was warning Cain that sin would overpower him if he chose to walk in it. Cain disregarded God’s waring and in the next verses we see him killing his brother and then trying to shift the blame from himself! The word “crouches” in the Hebrew is the word meaning to “be in a position ready for action.” Sin is like that. It looks peaceful and calm but suddenly springs forth and produces death! Our opening verse reminds us that the foolish of this age will “refuse to learn.” Like Cain, they want to embrace sin and then blame others for its result! There is an interesting verse in the book of Job about the scoffer,

““For your guilt teaches your mouth, And you choose [to speak] the language of the crafty and cunning.”

Job 15:5 AMP

Just watch or read the news today and you will see the majority of people speaking the “language of the crafty and cunning.” God’s call one however is to come and reason with Him. All the Lord asks is that a person come and logically reason and understand their current dilemma. 

““Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD. “[a]Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool. 19“If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the best of the land;20But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Isiah 1:18-20 AMP

The choice is yours today. It is a reasonable choice to fall wholly on the grace of God and receive His blessings in all we do. The alternative of death and destruction doesn’t seem to be the right choice!

Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken