Delivered by Wisdom and Prudence

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
— Proverbs 22:3 (NLT)

Many Christians don’t fully understand the importance of wisdom and prudence. There’s a common belief that the only ways God delivers us from trouble are either by miraculously preventing it or by rescuing us while we are already in it. However, our anchor scripture reveals another way God delivers, through wisdom and prudence.

Solomon wrote that a wise and prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. This is a powerful yet often overlooked aspect of divine deliverance. God can preserve us from danger by giving us the insight to see it coming and the wisdom to act accordingly.

In contrast, the second part of the verse warns that the simple or naive go blindly forward and suffer the consequences. Wisdom and prudence do more than guide our choices; they preserve us from harm. This is why the Bible emphasizes that wisdom is the principal thing.

Consider the example of Joseph. He didn’t just interpret Pharaoh’s dream about the seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. He also gave sound advice on how to prepare for the crisis. Without that counsel, Egypt would have still suffered, even with the prophetic warning. His wisdom to foresee the danger and plan effectively preserved the nation.

A similar event happened in Acts 11 when the prophet Agabus, by the Spirit, predicted a famine. The church didn’t just note the prophecy; they acted. Believers in Antioch sent relief to those in Judea, each contributing as they were able. This act of prudence helped the church prepare for and endure the crisis.

One of them, named Agabus, stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.
— Acts 11:28–30 (NLT)

God still leads us in this way today. Through wisdom and prudence, we can make decisions that shield us and others from future harm.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to walk in wisdom and prudence. Teach me to foresee danger and take the right steps, so I may be preserved and help preserve others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.