Danger, danger!

Proverbs 27:1-6, 10-12

To be honest I’m not at all sure what to do with this verse from Proverbs: “The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:12). Are we to understand that godly, devout people who happen to be intelligent are encouraged to duck and cover when the going gets tough? Is that really what is going on here? Or is there another way to read this?

In his Interpretation series commentary on Proverbs Leo G. Perdue offers only a bit of insight. “Verse 12 is an antithetical saying,” he writes, “that contrasts the clever who see danger and hide with the simpleton who does not and thus suffers for it” (p. 227). With all apologies to Dr. Perdue that really doesn’t help much. Jesus was, by all accounts, extremely bright and yet according to the gospels he was willing to face his own death and “go on, and suffer for it.” Likewise countless people of faith from over the centuries have willingly confronted danger in the name of God and for the sake of justice and righteousness. In our own age we are reminded of people of great courage like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr. who, in faith, faced trials and tribulations for the glory of God.

Now, I’ll readily agree that we “shouldn’t go courting trouble.” But perhaps one aspect of God’s grace is that it allows us to live a “simple” life of faith, one that allows us to face danger, even to suffer and die, in order to help others and to give glory to God. If that is what Proverbs 27:12 is all about then may God give me the simplicity to “go on, and suffer for it,” because I really don’t think that people of faith are supposed to run for cover during times of challenge.

Prayer: Lord God, give us the courage to live as your people no matter what the circumstances may be. In the name of the one who accepted his death for the sake of the world. Amen.

NOTE: Beginning on February 25, I will be including blog posts each Saturday written by "guest bloggers" who will offer their insights on the readings for that particular day. I deeply appreciate the willingness of these folks to share their time and talents with us. Be sure to stop by on upcoming Saturdays to see what they have to say.