Day #14: Risky Behavior

Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing; it benefits those who see the light of day. For wisdom provides protection, just as money provides protection. But the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its owner. (Ec 7:11-12)

In what practical way does wisdom benefit the wise?  Philosophically we can see many benefits, but how about practically?  Solomon draws an analogy with an inheritance.  Resources of many types come with a good inheritance- money, land, possessions, prestige, power, and influence can all come when an inheritance is passed on.  These resources can obviously be of great benefit to the owner.  Certainly, one is far less vulnerable to misfortune with these resources, though not impervious.

 

But how does wisdom provide protection?  Think about it.  The fool takes numerous unnecessary risks.  They may squander their resources on loose living, as the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-17).

 

Then Jesus said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. After a few days, the younger son gathered together all he had and left on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his wealth with a wild lifestyle. Then after he had spent everything, a severe famine took place in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and worked for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He was longing to eat the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

 

The fool can easily squander their wealth on loose living.  Women, drugs, drink, and gambling are common among those lacking wisdom.  I'm not saying that poverty is caused by risky behavior, only that risky behavior often causes poverty.  And immorality brings many dangers with it.

 

My child, be attentive to my wisdom, pay close attention to my understanding, in order to safeguard discretion, and that your lips may guard knowledge. For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her seductive words are smoother than olive oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. Lest she should make level the path leading to life, her paths are unstable but she does not know it. (Proverbs 5:1-6)

 

In our day, sexual addictions are rampant.  They often tear people and their families apart.  What may seem harmless at first can lead to much heartache.

 

Likewise for drunkenness:

 

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has dullness of the eyes? Those who linger over wine, those who go looking for mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. Afterward it bites like a snake, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will speak perverse things. And you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, and like one who lies down on the top of the rigging. You will say, “They have struck me, but I am not harmed! They beat me, but I did not know it! When will I awake? I will look for another drink.” (Prov 23:29-35)

 

Alcoholics can tell you the extent they would go to for a drink.  Alcohol eats up their finances, their families, their jobs, and everything it touches.  Some will describe their lost decades due to drink.  Likewise for drugs and gambling.

 

Although Solomon is obviously addressing these issues to the young men in his kingdom, the wisdom he gives applies to everyone. 

 

Bottom line, true wisdom will protect a person from these dangers.  It can literally preserve the life of its owner.  Venereal disease is just one example.  Drunken driving kills so many.  Heart disease can often be associated with smoking, drinking, and drugs. A simple trip to the doctor's office will tell you this. Even those advanced in years have serious decisions to make, like when they need some sort of assisted living.  A bad fall can be the beginning of the end for the elderly.  Wisdom is needed at all ages and stages, and it preserves the life of its owner.

 

Questions to consider:

1.       Has someone given you timely wisdom that was of great help?  What was it?

2.       Who do you know who engages in risky behavior (if not you)?

3.       What advice can you give them?


Read on to Day #15

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