10.20.24. Word to the Wise

Proverbs 23 What price? 

Probably one of our weakest areas in this life is this tool of discernment. You may be born with it, but truly it is a skill that you must be taught and honed. To discern is to stop and think what is true in contrast to what is false. The Proverbs chapters speak of this over and over, so it must be a skill that is needed to succeed and one that will protect us from falling for the ways of the world and our arch enemy Satan. 

Discernment is what you can use in nearly every engagement be it, purchasing a garment or even  as this Proverb says to paid dinners with high ranking people. Not always, but many times, the dinner is really a cover up for what they want you to do after the dinner. For example, you are invited to a swanky hotel and a posh dinner but behind that dinner, usually after listening to a speech, you are asked to donate an amount whether it be for a starving child or a man/woman who wants our vote. 

The Proverbs author tells us “do not crave that ruler’s delicacies,for that food is deceptive.” In other words, that meal you are enjoying comes with a price. Warning signal: “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you;” In fact the Proverbs author goes so far as to say: “will have wasted your pleasant words.” 

Word to the wise, stop and consider what the payment will be if you attend these functions.