We all know the old adage coined by Benjamin Franklin— “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” but that hasn’t stopped us from violating it, now, has it?
Squeegeeing the shower after use? Hmmm.
Flossing? Double Hmmm.
Insulating the pipes before the first freeze? Maybe tomorrow.
We also know that the time it takes to do these things is minuscule compared to the amount of elbow grease, time, and money required to fix it afterwards, yet we still often hesitate to do the little things that will save us from big problems later.
While all this procrastination causes problems in our day-to-day lives, this adage is even more important at the spiritual level.
The Bible is chock-full of “prevention” measures that will save us from the repercussions of sinful choices.
First by our own choices and actions: Do not go where evil people go. Do not follow the example of the wicked. Don’t do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way (Proverbs 4:14-15).
Avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless (Titis 3:9).
Then by whom we choose to listen to: Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you (Proverbs 4:6).
But the cornerstone of all this prevention is where we get our wisdom from. Though Psalm 119:9 and 11 address the young, the advice is universal.
How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
The Bible provides so much advice on how to prevent sin and its consequential hurt, despair, and destruction in our lives, that spending any amount of time in it and committing it to memory each day will save us from years of pain.
As another adage reminds us: Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent.
Squeegeeing the shower after use? Hmmm.
Flossing? Double Hmmm.
Insulating the pipes before the first freeze? Maybe tomorrow.
We also know that the time it takes to do these things is minuscule compared to the amount of elbow grease, time, and money required to fix it afterwards, yet we still often hesitate to do the little things that will save us from big problems later.
While all this procrastination causes problems in our day-to-day lives, this adage is even more important at the spiritual level.
The Bible is chock-full of “prevention” measures that will save us from the repercussions of sinful choices.
First by our own choices and actions: Do not go where evil people go. Do not follow the example of the wicked. Don’t do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way (Proverbs 4:14-15).
Avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless (Titis 3:9).
Then by whom we choose to listen to: Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you (Proverbs 4:6).
But the cornerstone of all this prevention is where we get our wisdom from. Though Psalm 119:9 and 11 address the young, the advice is universal.
How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
The Bible provides so much advice on how to prevent sin and its consequential hurt, despair, and destruction in our lives, that spending any amount of time in it and committing it to memory each day will save us from years of pain.
As another adage reminds us: Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent.
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