Have you ever heard that skepticism is a virtue? Well, at least Solomon thought it was something to point out. In verse 15, it says, “Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.” Simpleton is this translation’s way of calling out the simple-minded, those who don’t think a lot about what they are doing.
In the day and age we are living in, we are constantly bombarded with messages. Whether it’s on social media, the news, or the gossip at the coffee shop, there is an information overload exploding around us. How do you decide what is “good” news and what is “fake” news? How do you discern?
Solomon would suggest we test everything to carefully distinguish good from bad. How do you do that? Knowing and trusting the source is a good place to start. Some people have a hard time with questioning but want to believe everything they read. I have fallen into that camp when I have seen something shocking on the internet. I know I’ve been guilty of being a little too trusting. I have often gotten into trouble because of it.
This may be only one single verse in amongst many, but it is a lifesaver. To follow blindly could lead you into a dangerous situation. Instead, we should question everything, seek proof, and not be swayed by unreliable testimonials. I have witnessed this in my husband. He is very methodical in his approach to the news. He has his trusted sources, and if I come ranting about something I’ve read or heard, he checks it out. He is truly embodying this proverb.
What about you? Are you quick to believe, or are you a hard nut to crack?
Who can you trust? God. God’s word is truth through and through. It comes down to this, Jesus’ words in John 14:6: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
If something you hear sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be discerning. Don’t be gullible. Take time today to think through the messages you’ve been hearing and how you are responding to them.
Let’s pray … Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your word to stand upon. Help me to not be so trusting of the messages I hear in the world. May I rely on you and your wisdom to help me tell the difference between truth and deception. Give me a discerning mind to stand strong in this world full of peer pressure and diversity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
