Bible Reading: Proverbs 10:23
What would you think of a person who deliberately ran a red light at a busy intersection?
You probably think he is a fool. You might even think that if he got hit by another car that he was getting what he deserves, but what about the innocent person or persons in the other car? They were obeying they law. They certainly didn’t deserve to get into a wreck.
Unfortunately, the poor choice made by the deliberately reckless driver didn’t affect only him. His poor choice also affected the people in the second car and their friends and families. His choice affected the lives of those people in other cars who witnessed the wreck. His choice also affected the lives of the police and other emergency workers that would be called in to help. His choice even affected the lives of his own friends and family.
Everything we do has consequences – and not only for us. Every choice you make affects other people for better or for worse. Every choice you make shows you to be either wise or a fool.
Today’s Bible reading says, “A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.” I hope your delight – and mine – is in wisdom and in wise behavior. I hope each of us takes responsibility for our choices and their consequences.
“Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.” Proverbs 13:16
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to delight in wisdom and to remember that my choices affect other people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.