God's Glory Church

“The wise man sees evil – and hides, but the foolish go – and are punished.” — Proverbs 27:12

In 1892, a resident of Hamburg suffering from cholera accidentally brought the infection across the Elbe River into the city’s water supply system. As a result, 10,000 residents of the city died within a few weeks. Eight years earlier, the German microbiologist Robert Koch made a discovery: cholera is transmitted through water. Koch’s discovery prompted officials in major European cities to invest in filtration systems to protect water. Instead, the Hamburg authorities did nothing. Citing high costs and dubious science, they ignored clear warnings as their city neared disaster.

The Book of Proverbs talks a lot about those who see danger but refuse to act. “A wise man sees evil and hides himself” (Prov. 27:12). When God helps us to foresee danger heading our way, we are usually motivated to take the necessary steps. We wisely change direction or prepare with the proper warnings given by God. We are doing something. To do nothing is complete madness. People can miss the warning signs and, accordingly, move toward disaster. “Fools go – and are punished” (v. 12).

Through the Lord Jesus Christ, God shows us the way to go and warns us about the difficulties that await us. If we are not smart, we run towards danger. But we better listen to His wisdom and change course.

When have you rejected God’s wisdom? How can you learn to better respond to His warnings?

Dear God, please help me to obey You and turn away from danger.

Author: Wynn Collier