One or the Other

DEVOTION PROVERBS ONE OR THE OTHER Prov 15:21 21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course. NIV It certainly would appear the lack of judgment is all about accepting God, His Word and His provision for the salvation of His creation. With every article of knowledge a person has to judge whether to believe it or not. With every idea, theory, or concept a person needs to judge if they are going to accept it as true or false. In many cases people make judgments but lack the understanding to make a correct one. In this case it is incorrect to judge the ways of this world as good, reasonable and worthy of adopting. It is also poor judgment to dismiss the Word of God as an invalid source of truth inspired by God to men of faith so they may record it. When these types of judgments are combined, as they usually are, it provides the open door for folly to enter. God would consider those who make those kinds of judgments simply lacking in the ability to make judgments at all. They have no wisdom, no knowledge of the facts, no solid patterns of thinking and processing information, they are in essence filly with folly or silliness, as the Hebrew would imply. The Holy Spirit is here and is working in the lives of all mankind trying to reveal the truth to them, but some simply refuse to listen because the delight in the silliness of their lives. Others, however hear the calling of the Spirit and gain an understanding of how silly life is without God. They see the truth of the ugliness of sin as revealed to them by the Spirit, and repent, accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. They have an understanding of the truth of God. The Spirit leads them into all truths about God and his plan for their lives and in doing so He directs their steps. Once a person has an understanding, having seen the Kingdom of God, he keeps a straight course set for that kingdom. Nothing will prevent those with that of understanding from their course. They have judged correctly because they have the understanding to do so. They have left behind the folly of this world and will not be distracted by it on their course of life now set. They will not waver in their faith, their belief in God. Nothing can persuade them from their course. It may be true the better they become at staying the course, Satan will try even harder to push them off course. But it is a worthless effort for these of people of understanding, knowing the truth, having the judgment to see reality. This is the good life. Everyone will have one or the othe