I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Venturing on the path of wisdom calls for thoughtful decision-making fueled by guidance from the Word of God. So, let’s explore three insightful reminders King Solomon provided to steer us away from darkness and destruction.

Beware of small compromises. While they might appear as shortcuts to success, compromises are a step toward disaster. For example, cheating on an expense report might offer quick gains, but it tarnishes your reputation and leads to job loss.

Acknowledge the sickness of our hearts. Jeremiah writes that our hearts are deceitful and sick in Jeremiah 17:9. Although we receive new hearts in Christ, old sinful tendencies linger. Engage with God’s Word daily to cleanse and renew your mind.

Consider the paths your decisions pave. Even minor missteps can be costly. Take Lot, who moved towards the wicked city of Sodom due to greed. Such a seemingly insignificant choice led to his ruin. Listen to God’s voice, prioritize reading the Bible, and pray in order to obey.

When you make choices rooted in God’s Word and anticipate where decisions will lead, you will be spared from unnecessary heartache.

Heavenly Father, help us be mindful of our little decisions. We thank You that Your Spirit guides us to the truth and righteous decision-making. As we meditate on Proverbs 24, help us to trust Your guidance and seek Your Word for discernment. In Jesus’ Name, amen.