Proverbs 22:3-5 (ESV)
3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
The wise exercise thoughtful discernment.They keep themselves from the consequences of evil by avoiding sinful behavior and staying clear of those who would lure them into darkness. The foolish carelessly charge on in the face of danger and suffer for it. Those who fear the Lord are humble. They recognize their need for God’s moral compass and diligently follow after his word. The simple scoff at God’s laws; they think the best course of action for life lies in living independent of God’s revealed will. Whatever benefit the unwise enjoy in life is temporary, but the gains of those who are right with the Lord carry on into the life to come. The crooked man seeks after whatever sparkles. He grabs at the chance for fast sex and quick money. He thinks he’s on top of the world, but in no time will crash to the ground. Avoid the traps and enticements of evil behavior at all costs. The moral price tag is unaffordable.