Connecting During DeploymentSample

Just Askin’

Think back to your childhood for a moment. After doing something you would come to regret, were you ever told by your parents that you were “just askin’ for trouble” when you committed that stupid act?

The book of Proverbs would agree with your parents—or whoever spoke wisdom into your life. Most of the time we get into trouble, we do know better. The book of Proverbs passes age-old wisdom from one generation to the next . . . and the next . . . and we should not fail to continue to pass it on to our next.

So when are we “askin’ for trouble?” Here are some examples of truth to be shared:

We are askin’ for trouble when we ignore consequences. “Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity” (Proverbs 22:8).

We are askin’ for trouble when we listen to the wrong people and choose to ignore good advice. “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent” (Proverbs 1:10).

We are askin’ for trouble when we have the attitude “It won’t happen to me!” “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

We are askin’ for trouble when we are lazy. “The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor” (Proverbs 21:25).

We are askin’ for trouble when we talk too much and listen too little. “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19).

We are askin’ for trouble when we leave God out! “The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm” (Proverbs 19:23).

Does the wisdom from Proverbs still hold true in the 21st century, in the military and deployed? Absolutely! I have heard that reading a chapter of Proverbs each day is like taking a vitamin pill. A chapter a day keeps foolishness away! 

If we heed the advice and warnings, we can build up our strength of character so we will not “falter in times of trouble.”

1. What have you done in your life you consider to be wise? What guidance did you have?

2. What have you done in your life you consider to be foolish? What guidance did you ignore?

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