Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
Many of life’s problems are self-inflicted problems that could be avoided if prudence guided our decisions and actions. God says the simple believes every word. In other words, the simple person acts without thinking. There is a trust the simple has that someone would never lie to them, but that is how you get yourself into trouble. Many financial difficulties could have been avoided if someone was prudent with their finances. Many bad life decisions could have been averted had someone been prudent with their decisions.
Prudence is acting with or showing care and thought for the future. The prudent man is cautious and moves slowly so they can make wise decisions. God says that the prudent man looketh well to his going. Let me share what this means so you can live prudently and avoid foolish mistakes.
First, the prudent person is nearsighted. In other words, the prudent man asks himself, “Is this too good to be true?” You can avoid many decisions by letting common sense dictate your decisions. If something seems too good to be true, it is likely too good to be true. Just because you know and trust the person telling you about a great opportunity you should get involved with does not make this opportunity good. The prudent person looks to common sense and realizes that most good things come with time and never happen quickly.
Second, the prudent person gets advice. The prudent man asks himself, “What do my counselors think about this opportunity?” You can only blame bad decisions on being simple for so long without eventually people realizing you are a fool. There is a reason God places wise people in your life, but their wisdom cannot help you if you don't tap into it by asking for their advice. There is much wisdom that God has placed around you, but you will never know that wisdom if you are too proud to ask the wise their advice. Prudence knows that it doesn't know everything, so it will ask those who do know what to do so as to avoid foolish decisions.
Third, the prudent person is far-sighted. The prudent man asks himself, “Where will this take me in the future?” Every decision always affects your future for good or for bad. The best way to have a bright future is to make prudent decisions. If you live in the moment doing what makes you feel good today, you will foolishly destroy a bright future. Many have lived life cleaning up the mess of foolish decisions only because they did not look at the future before making the decision. My friend, today will end, and you will have to live tomorrow with the results of today’s decisions. You had better be sure that you are willing to live with the product of today’s decision for the rest of your life.
Fourth, the prudent person is frugal. The prudent man asks himself, “What is the best way to get this done?” The prudent man looks for the most efficient way to get things done because he realizes that time is short, and time wasted destroys opportunities to do more for God.
Are you making prudent decisions? Are you acting spontaneously on so-called great opportunities? Be prudent with your decision because you have only one life to live and one life to make the most of your life for God.