How can Proverbs 14:15 guide us in evaluating information and advice? Verse for Focus “The simple believe every word, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15) What the Verse Says • “The simple” – those who are gullible, untrained in discernment, quick to accept anything they hear. • “Believe every word” – passive acceptance, no filtering, no testing. • “The prudent” – the wise, the careful, those who weigh matters before acting. • “Give thought to their steps” – they pause, evaluate, plan, and then move. Why This Matters in an Age of Information Overload • Social media, news feeds, and constant advice streams can nudge us toward the “simple” posture of instant belief. • God’s Word calls us to a different pattern: cautious, prayerful evaluation that honors truth and protects our walk. Principles for Evaluating Information and Advice 1. Slow down. • Wisdom takes time; knee-jerk reactions breed error. (Proverbs 19:2) 2. Compare everything with Scripture. • If counsel contradicts God’s Word, discard it immediately. (Isaiah 8:20) 3. Look for fruit and character in the source. • “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16) 4. Seek multiple witnesses. • “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter shall be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1) 5. Test motives—yours and theirs. • “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the motives.” (Proverbs 16:2) 6. Pray for discernment. • “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” (James 1:5) Practical Steps to Walk in Prudence • Filter headlines: read past the title, verify sources, check dates, look for context. • Weigh advice: ask, “Does this align with God’s revealed truth? Does it promote righteousness?” • Consult trusted believers: elders, mature friends, biblically grounded counselors. • Keep a humble, teachable spirit: the prudent are not cynical but discerning. • Record lessons learned: note times you believed too quickly and how God corrected you. Scripture Cross-References that Reinforce the Lesson • Acts 17:11 – The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:21 – “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • 1 John 4:1 – “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • Proverbs 18:13 – “He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and shame to him.” Encouragement for Daily Living Every piece of news, every opinion, every bit of counsel is an opportunity either to drift into naïve credulity or to practice Spirit-guided prudence. By pausing, testing, and aligning our steps with God’s Word, we reflect the heart of Proverbs 14:15 and walk securely in truth. |
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