“The naive [are unsophisticated and easy to exploit and] inherit foolishness, But the sensible [are thoughtful and far-sighted and] are crowned with knowledge.”

Proverbs 14:18 AMP

I wanted to take a moment and look at this verse in detail. We forts encounter the word “naive” here used to describe the first subject of discussion. The King James version uses the word “backslider.” The Hebrew word here is the one meaning, “to turn away; be faithless, disloyal or to be in a state which is disloyal or untrustworthy.” All of these descriptions are in context used in regard to one’s relationship with God! In the military it means, “to return to the rear position so as to retreat!” We read in the book of Isaiah,

“For our transgressions are multiplied before You [O LORD], And our sins testify against us; For our transgressions are with us, And we know and recognize our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]: 13Rebelling against and denying the LORD, Turning away from [following] our God, Speaking oppression and revolt, Conceiving and muttering from the heart lying words. 14Justice is pushed back, And righteous behavior stands far away; For truth has fallen in the city square, And [b]integrity cannot enter. 15Yes, truth is missing; And he who turns away from evil makes himself a prey. Now the LORD saw it, And it displeased Him that there was no justice.”

Isaiah 59:12-15 AMP

Can you think of a better description of societies today? Rebelling means “turning our backs” on God! The governmental leaders of today spew their craziness upon the masses and they blindly follow to appease their flesh. Truth has truly fallen from the streets of our nations! Notice that the end result of this behavior makes oneself a prey! The freedom the deceivers promise is as empty as the words the speak! The Amplified describes the “naïve” as ones who are unsophisticated and easy to exploit. That is not what God has called His people to! The Apostle Paul wrote to a young man in ministry,

“Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen. 15Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.16But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17and their teaching will spread like gangrene.”

2 Timothy 2:14-16 AMP

The second. Part of our verse today describes the Godly man as “thoughtful, far-sighted, and crowned with knowledge!” As we contemplated salvation, we counted the cost! Jesus said,

“But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things left behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:62 AMP

Those are strong words! Consider the cost! Jesus often spoke of counting the cost of discipleship. Discipleship is a long process of dying to the flesh and yielding to the cross! It isn’t easy, it isn’t simple, and it surely isn’t fun! It takes commitment and surrender each and every day as our spirits way war against our flesh. The Apostle Paul again said,

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! 25Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a [h]crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither]. 26Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing]. 27But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].” 

1 Corinthians 9:27 AMP

How is your race today> Are you running to win or are you being led to the rear from where you came! Remember the encouragement of the Scripture, “Pres on toward the high calling of Christ in your life!” Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken