Keeping Your Balance

Song: Sweet By And By

Scripture: Proverbs 23:1-12

Balance is the stuff of which wisdom is made. Knowing how to chart a course between extremes is the essence of the blessed life. The advice of the wise man in this passage is to keep your balance.

Before you dine with the king, consider what it will cost you. Do you really think he just wanted your company or is he counting on your vote? Before you indulge in his delicacies consider where he’s expecting you to line up after dessert.

Before you chase after riches, consider at what price it will come. What will you leave undone in the pursuit. Consider its uncertainty as well. “Wealth certainly makes itself wings.” Even if it doesn’t fly away in your life, it will at your death.

Be suspicious of the sudden generosity of a selfish man. Will he hate you tomorrow? What is he expecting from you in return? Tomorrow you’ll be sick when you find there was a hook in the hors d’oeuvres that you complimented so.

Some people you can’t help, because they won’t be helped. Don’t waste advice on the fool “for he will despise the wisdom of your words.”

Don’t pick on the unfortunate. God has never sympathized with the aggressor, or the defrauded. If you move the ancient boundary, or run over other people, the Lord will come to their rescue.

Watch your step today. Put one foot in front of the other. Keep your eyes open and keep your balance.

Jason Moore