Regardless of how well we understand and even believe the truth of that verse, we still seem to think that we can beat the odds - be smarter than the rules that govern the situation. God knows this about us; that's possibly why we have so many passages in the Bible to instruct us, so many examples from which to learn. He really wants us to know when to duck!
One way we can see trouble coming and know it's trouble is to put the Word of God in our hearts. The Message translation of Psalms 119:105 says, "By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path." In that same Psalm, the writer says that he has hidden God's word in his heart so he won't sin (v11).
II Timothy 2:15, Paul instructs his "son in the faith," Timothy, to study - do his best - to present himself to God "approved, unashamed" and as one who teaches the "word of truth" correctly. Paul wants Timothy to know the Word of God and be so diligent in applying the Word that he will know when to duck rather than get clobbered by the "godless chatter" going on around him (see II Timothy 2:14-18).
By praying and studying what God says, we must prepare ourselves daily to be godly moms and dads. Our world has plenty of convenient answers to how we raise our children. Be on guard; weigh the advice against God's Word:
23-27 Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that's where life starts.
Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust. (Proverbs 4:23-27, The Message)
that's where life starts.
Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust. (Proverbs 4:23-27, The Message)
Prepare yourself by hiding God's Word in your heart. Trust Him to direct you in all the situations of your life, even your parenting (Proverbs 3:5-12). God's Holy Spirit will bring to your remembrance His Word (John 14:26).
Knowing when to duck is wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)!
Lord, I'm so thankful that you gave us your Word to guide us, to teach us, the protect us, to answer our questions. Please put in our hearts a desire to study your Word and hide it in our hearts.
When we don't know what to do, please let our first response be to ask You, seeking your Word for the help we need. Help us to recognize the voice of your Holy Spirit bringing your Word to our memories and prompting us to follow your wisdom and not our own.
Thank you for providing us wisdom. Give us the courage to practice your wisdom and know when to duck!
In Your Name we pray, Amen.
