Remember that prudent man of Proverbs 22 and 27? A previous article listed almost two dozen possibilities that could go awry in his life. Perhaps a little self-righteously, we felt that we had them all covered in our own life…but maybe not.
Is it possible that Proverbs is a book of “best practices” from a worldly point of view? As I thought over the prudent man’s list, the idea came to me: “Isn’t this kind of selfish and secretive?” How about helping someone else “prepare to meet God”? How about teaching others how to swim? Or to drive? Or to eat and drink wisely? Or to join a church and worship?
There is a great New Testament advance on Proverbs, from the merely “prudent” man. Can we say in King Jamesian English, “The prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself and as many others as he can”?
The story of the good Samaritan makes it very clear who the prudent man is. Perhaps he was well-armed; perhaps he had a bodyguard with him. In any case, his duty was clear—to help. In fact, if we go all the way back to Moses and the Ten Commandments, we find that Commandments 5 through 10 all relate to protecting and helping others, even more than ourselves: We are to honor our parents. We are not to murder—we are to help others to live. We are not to commit adultery—we are to help other couples live in peace. We are not to steal—we are to let others keep and enjoy what they have. We could go on, but you get the idea.
Jesus, Himself, said in the Sermon on the Mount[1], “Blessed are the merciful…Blessed are the peace-makers…You are the salt of the earth…Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Never mind being super-prudent and looking after only number one. “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you[2].”
[1] Matthew 5: 7-16.
[2] Matthew 6:33.
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