Read: Proverbs 20:14-24

The simple believes every word,
but the prudent considers well
his steps. -Proverbs 14:15

Years ago, one of the largest gold dealers in the
United States was caught in the act of claiming
something that wasn’t true. A court-appointed attorney
obtained an order to open the company’s vault to confirm
a disputed claim that it contained $2 million worth of
the precious metal. When the vault was opened, it
appeared to hold a stack of gold bars. But a closer
inspection revealed that it contained nothing more than
45 blocks of gold-painted wood. Many innocent investors
lost a lot of money.

Our heavenly Father lovingly cautions us in His Word
about people in this world who come up with deceptive
ventures. The writer of Proverbs told us not to believe
everything we hear when we buy or sell something (Prov.
20:14). He told us to seek knowledge, understanding,
and good counsel in everything we do (v.18). And
because we cannot begin to see as the Lord sees (v.24),
we should pray for His wisdom in the decisions we must
make. God sees through the lies of deception in a way
that we never could. He can steer us clear of
good-sounding bad values.

Sometimes we end up learning the hard way. But God
cares enough to tell us the right way and to warn us to
be careful.
-Martin R. De Haan II

Many seek and strive for wisdom
But find folly in disguise;
All too few seek first God’s kingdom –
Only this can make them wise. -Anon

WHEN WE KNOW WHAT’S TRUE
WE CAN DISCERN WHAT’S FALSE.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.