Don’t Consider Yourself to be Wise

“Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7 HCSB

In a harrowing story published Tuesday titled, “Runner Hospitalized After Wild Dingo Attack in Australia,” the following was reported: A woman was attacked by a pack of dingos while running on Australia’s Orchid Beach early Monday morning. She suffered multiple bite wounds on her limbs and torso and was flown to nearby Hervey Bay Hospital in stable condition. Rangers say that while jogging, the 24-year-old woman was attacked by three dingos and managed to escape by running into the water. Two men who witnessed the incident rushed into the ocean to help, placing the injured woman in the back of their vehicle and driving her to safety. One of the men injured his hand during the rescue attempt… Rangers believe the rise in attacks is a direct result of an increasing number of people disregarding restrictions to interact with and feed the estimated 100 to 200 dingos on the island. “We need to work with people that are visiting the island—how not to put yourself in a situation that may lead to a compromising position,” head ranger Linda Behrendorff said.

And you know, as I read this story I couldn’t help but shake my head at the number of people ignoring the restrictions those in authority, who have the knowledge of how dangerous wild dingos are, had put into place—undoubtedly believing themselves to be wiser than the park rangers. The lesson in all this? “Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” In other words, admit that you don’t know it all, look to the Lord for wisdom, trust His instruction, and turn your back on your own inclinations. This is the only way you can avoid putting “yourself in a situation that may lead to a compromising position.”

So humbly reverence the Lord at all times my friend and refuse the urge to think more highly of yourself than you ought to. Pride goes before destruction so avoid it at all costs. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our knowledge is very limited. Help us to understand that so we would heed the advice of those who know better and especially the commands You have given us to keep us safe from harm. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!