There are falls superfluous, birthed by lack
Of discernment, meddling, at ease in wary times.
There are falls incomprehensible; preventable
Inexcusable, offering nothing, stealing everything:
Discernment and wisdom will guard the obedient.
Walk the uncluttered path, work in daytime
So you can elude traps shrouded in darkness:
Where stakes are high, they abound. To walk the night
Find lighted path. To walk in light, avoid the dark
If you must, take oil enough, keep your lamp burning
Keep walking, don’t treat night and day the same:
Reserve speed for day, conserve verve at night.
Those who ignore dusk, dare unknown with rashness
Instead of patience, ending in pits. Nighttime is risky
Even for well-worn paths, travelers must beware.
The hasty rush to doom, as if chased or crazed.
Those who can’t wait on their feet are left
On their back, squandering time they wouldn’t spare:
Day and night are worlds apart, don’t treat them same.

Food for Thought: Wisdom teaches that there is time for everything. Those who listen are able to discern the times, enabled to manage the things and places they find themselves advantageously. Those who run along pick hidden traps and are injured sometimes by things and in places they have no business with. Times are so delicate you can’t afford to live anyhow anymore. There was once a time when people could get away with anything – that time is receding farther and further and we must adjust if we are to make the most of these seasons. Treating the present as if it were past; ignoring the changes – so obvious though subtle; living as we please irrespective of the stakes, in these times and days, carry heavy and inescapable consequences. People are more aware, times are unforgiving, and things are even more subtle than they appear. It is folly to think we can do what we did years ago and get the same results. It is silly to run along, like we did in the past, without considering the times and shifts so far. It is hard to succeed these present times without discernment. The times we live in call for wisdom, they call for adjustments, and God’s grace is enough to see us through if we avail ourselves of it. May we cooperate as God helps us day by day.

Scripture: I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. John 9: 4.

Prayer: Dear Lord, let Your Word guide my feet, let Your ways guide my life, until I am home safe with You, amen.