Informed Risk

Read Proverbs 14

The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

Proverbs 14:16

As Christians, we have nothing to fear anymore. Satan has lost the war once and for all, and we can move forward in full confidence. However, there is a difference between confidence in Christ and overconfidence, or pride in ourselves. There is no trial, tribulation, or struggle that is too great for Christ to deal with, but there are many things that we cannot. We should be confident because of Christ and through Christ, but not outside of Christ. The foolish blunder forward with too much self-confidence.

Furthermore, it is foolish to rush forward and, out of pride, think that everything will be okay. Christians are not immune to stupidity. God will often allow gracious lessons in humility and endurance to occur because we have confused confidence in ourselves with confidence in him. Instead, we want to live with a wise caution that makes decisions neither out of fear and anxiety nor out of prideful overconfidence.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Fools rush in; the wise take their time.

Today, Lord, I want to be your servant. You have shared your wisdom with me through your Word and through your church, but I pray for extra guidance as I go out today. I pray that you would help me to be cautious and prudent, not rushing into anything prematurely.