WISE CAUTIONS
We may be working hard to find true success in life, growing in the true wisdom of God and in true love for Him and others. The Scriptures show, however, that even right-hearted ones may be persuaded away from the truth by various means, for instance subtle tricks of wrongdoers, perhaps jealous of your adherence to a conscience corrected by God’s word and your hope of everlasting life. What cautions are in order, especially for newer ones in the faith, to avoid falling back to a selfish way of life, and to become more firm for what is truly right, experiencing God-given joy with wisdom that transcends all other delights and makes every gift of God more delightful?
Wise Cautions
1. GOD’S LOVING WAYS. There are going to be times and places in which we live that lovers of what is good may need to be more or less on guard from the influence of unrighteous persons. With the joys and rewards of a peaceful endless life, with a close relationship with God and a marriage partner and family or true friends all around us, what need do we have of doing anything bad in God’s eyes? (Hebre 12:2; Psalm 37:11,29). Holding to your God-given hope and Bible-trained conscience may now cause disobedient ones to become jealous, and try to bring you back to their way of thinking, rather than consider that they are the ones needing to change. If you love them, you will firmly continue to set a good example in adherence to God’s loving ways and standards--why their endless happiness is at stake! However, what cautions should we observe to protect the spiritual progress that we’ve made thus far, and continue to progress with greater wisdom and joy, setting the right example, and being able to learn what to say so that those we love can also get a firm hold on the hope of everlasting life?
2. WHO HINDERED YOU? That even a genuine Christian congregation can be misled, is evident from the apostle Paul’s words to the congregation of Galatia, in Galatians 5:7-10: “You were running well. Who hindered you from continuing to obey the truth? 8 This sort of persuasion does not come from the One calling you. 9 A little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough. 10 I am confident that you who are in union with the Lord will not come to think otherwise; but the one who is causing you trouble, whoever he may be, will receive the judgment he deserves.” In God’s mercy, such a person should quickly repent of any wrong influence, searching for Jehovah while he may be found, before it is too late. (Isaiah 55:6-9). This example demonstrates the need to be careful who we’re listening to. Referring to those living in the “last days”, 2Timothy 3:13 warns “But corrupt men and imposters will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled.” During this time, 2Timothy 3:1-5 shows several wrong attitudes that would become prevalent, and exhorts us to keep our distance from ones with such dominant views on life.
3. GUARD OUR ASSOCIATIONS. Thus, we carefully need to guard our associations—that is, not only our closest friends, but who we pay attention to in music, television, movies and other media. For instance, while God is reasonable, is that new song really approved by God, or does it have a contentious, rebellious tone, or a spirit proudly exalting what is bad? If so, we would do best to let it alone, and find other music out of much that exists that isn’t so degrading. The Scriptures in several places precede important cautions with the phrase: “Do not be misled.” This is one such caution, as found at 1Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.” Or, to rephrase, “bad company corrupts good morals.” (NASB). Clearly, we do not wish to diminish in any way the good spiritual progress we may have made while learning to love God's word, law and ways, merely by some bad choices of music, TV programs, movies, or the like! Let’s be wise, and alert to that which can influence us negatively, refusing to cripple ourselves by such things. As Proverbs 4:23 says: “Above all the things that you guard, safeguard your heart, For out of it are the sources of life.” If we find ourselves in a such a situation, prayer to God can either protect our spirit or show us whatever step(s) may be necessary to protect our “good character.” The better we are at making good choices to begin with, avoiding compromising circumstances, the less we’ll have to take such steps later on, perhaps after we’ve “invested” in something. But remaining firm for the serious matters of God's word will bring great pleasure to Jehovoe, the One lovingly guiding, correcting and instructing us. (Prove 27:11).
4. BEWARE PROPAGANDA. Another important area in life to be cautious about is regarding our choice of what we accept as true, when we listen to or read what others want to tell us. Some propaganda does exist, meant to cause people to believe things that are not completely true, whether for financial, political, or other advantage, and then some writers themselves are at times mistaken. A key Scriptural text is Proverbs 14:15, which reads: “The naive person believes every word, But the shrewd (or, prudent) one ponders each step.” Thus before we accept anything into our belief system, we should analyze it carefully to ensure it meets the standard of complete truth. Half-truths, misconceptions, and outright lies are still somewhat common. Also, vicious slander may be used against a source of truth, to cause people to ignore that source as untrustworthy. The foresighted prudent person gives thought to the consequences of a belief, such as what may be a lie, and considers the results of falling for it. Proverbs 22:3 says “The shrewd (or, prudent) one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the naive keep right on going and suffer the consequences.” The naïve persons may more readily believe anything they are told, without giving thought to it, and suffer consequences, not by God’s displeasure, but merely by their own lack of attention to how they listen. Jesus said “Pay attention to how you listen.” (Luke 8:18). Regarding God’s instructions, we should indeed listen carefully: “My son, pay attention to my words; Listen carefully to my sayings.” (Prove 4:20).
5. TURN FROM IDOLATRY. The apostle John wrote under inspiration this caution: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” An idol can be anything that is exalted to the place in our hearts where only our Creator and God should occupy—our greatest love. Our own belly can be an idol if we succumb to wrong selfish desires (Phili 3:19). Money, possessions, hobbies, and people themselves can become idols. An idol can be dressed up to shine, or sparkle, but should never take the place of God in our hearts (Psalm 115). “By Him we have life and move and exist.” (Acts 17:28). We owe God “exclusive devotion,” and find true happiness in life by keeping Him first (Exodu 20:5,6). This is true even in a marriage, otherwise we would imitate the error of our first parents. We show perhaps our greatest love for our spouse by helping each other first be loyal to God. Then other joys of marriage carry more meaning and bring more delight. When all persons “hope in Jehovah and follow His way” genuine love, joy, and peace are possible on the basis of true faith, trusting God to accomplish His eternal purpose (Psalm 37:34).
6. PROVERBIAL WISDOM. The counsel in the Bible book of Proverbs provides several noteworthy cautions in seeking a happy, successful life and family. The need to listen carefully to godly wisdom, discipline, and instruction is highlighted, as “only fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Prove 1:7-9). Jesus likened spiritual instruction to food, saying "Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah's mouth." (Matth 4:4). Thus we need regular, even daily, reading and instruction from God's word to remain spiritually alert (Psalm 1:1-3). Such receiving of divine knowledge will result in meaningful thoughts and speech. Caution is given to guard against those wanting to include you in a selfish, evil scheme. “The ways of those seeking dishonest profit...will take away the life of those who obtain it.” (Prove 1:10-19). God’s wisdom safeguards one from those “leaving the upright paths to walk in the ways of darkness.” (Prove 2:13) It is not true joy they are finding. Encouragement is found in Proverbs to highly value true wisdom—“nothing you desire can compare to it.” This brings true happiness and adds joy to all other delights in life, giving more meaning to life. (Prove 3:13-18). Another area where Proverbs contains warning is in the use or abuse of certain substances. "Who has woe? Who has uneasiness? Who has quarrels? Who has complaints? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has bleary eyes? 30 Those lingering long over wine; those searching out mixed wine..." (Prove 23:29-35). It is well-known that some substances can lower your inhibitions. Be alert and try to avoid situations where someone may try to weaken or take advantage of you. Also, staying close to God, He can be a powerful support, and we can cultivate and pray for the necessary self-control. God will not forever tolerate evil influences of those marring the peace and happiness of right-hearted ones. Therefore, Proverbs 2:20-22 thus exhorts: “20 So follow the way of good people And stay on the paths of the righteous, 21 For only the upright will reside in the earth, And the blameless will remain in it. 22 As for the ungodly, they will be cut off from the earth, And the treacherous will be torn away from it.”
7. REAPING SPIRITUALLY. Another example of a vital truth or caution preceded by the expression “Do not be misled” is found at Galatians 6:7,8. There we read: “Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap; 8 because the one sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but the one sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit.” If we sow (or, plant) only poison ivy, are we going to reap a grape vine? In our hearts we need to have planted or start to plant good spiritual seed, to allow good spiritual qualities to flourish, as we water and nurture such plants. For instance, we need a love of truth and strong faith or trust in Jehovah God as a place of spiritual protection, whom we can access by speaking in prayer and listening to God’s word of truth. Thus, praying to God and regularly reading His word are activities of sowing “with a view to the spirit.” Also, sowing with a view to the spirit logically includes keeping God's view of things in mind as we handle situations and make decisions in life. Step back and ask yourself "How does God view this situation? How would Jesus handle it if he were here, or faithful brothers worldwide, or what does God want me to do?"
8. “ALL THINGS” FROM GOD. What does it mean to “sow with a view to [one’s] flesh?” This basically involves catering only to physical desires, without regard for God or His guidance. He is the one who gave us the ability to enjoy these things, so should we not look to Him for regulation regarding such things? He has given us “life and breath and all things.” Let us not lack appreciation for where true happiness comes from. God is reasonable, and designed us to enjoy life in harmony with His ways and standards. Examples of catering to the flesh would be found in another place God’s word uses the expression “Do not be misled.” This time, it is at 1Corinthians 6:9-11: “Or do you not know that unrighteous people will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, 10 thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom. 11 And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean; you have been sanctified; you have been declared righteous in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God.”
9. MARRIAGE TO BE HONORABLE. Thus, for instance, marriage is the arrangement by which God allows a man and woman to satisfy fully sexual desires, being a provision to allow for a child’s birth and a long-term, loving, stable environment in which to raise children. As Hebrews 13:4 states: “Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.” God is the One who has set the standards for how two people become engaged, even in a long-distance relationship, and gradually work toward a delightful marriage bond. We have every reason to do things God's way! Let's refuse to do what is not necessary, outside of God's law, and rather help one another to remain within it, finding delight in what God does permit en-route to a lovely marriage! We thus show we stand for upholding true love, refusing selfishness and disloyalty, to God and the other person!
10. GOD NOT TO BLAME FOR EVIL TRIALS. Thus, clearly we should feed our minds and hearts on God’s promised blessings of living life in the right way, and refuse to cultivate wrong desires, or to pay attention to media which promote such desires. One more caution or vital truth where we find the expression “Do not be misled” is found in James 2:12-17. Beginning in verse 12, we find a key to true, long-term happiness: “Happy is the man who keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving Him.” In verse 13, we note that God is not to blame for the trials that we experience: “When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone.” “But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (1Cori 10:13b).
11. SPURN SELFISHNESS, AND APPRECIATE SOURCE OF “EVERY GOOD GIFT”. Some trials thus come from our own selfish desires, which can eventually lead to death, as we see in verses 14,15: “But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death.” Thus we find James’ exhortation, in verses 16,17: “Do not be misled, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, coming down from the Father of the celestial lights, who does not vary or change like the shifting shadows.” Thus, Jehovah is the Source of every good gift we enjoy every day. Should we not appreciate these gifts in harmony with His reasonable guidelines and standards? He made us, and knows how we tick, and how we can find genuine happiness in life, the best life possible. Therefore, may we stay alert to things which could undermine our efforts to maintain a firm grip on God’s promised blessings. Let us eagerly learn God’s right ways in harmony with divinely revealed truth, leading to the gift of everlasting life in the perfect conditions Jehovah intended when He created our planet and everything upon it. (Isaiah 45:18; Prove 1:5,7)
12. A FEW MORE CAUTIONS. A few more serious cautions that could save us from being ensnared are found in Proverbs and involve flattery, anger, and fearing what other people think more than what God thinks. Proverbs 29:5 says “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads out a net for his feet.” How so? While we occasionally need and appreciate sincere commendation for our efforts, our gifts and talents really come from God, so we shouldn’t let well-meaning commendation or insincere flattery to give us a big head. We can even flatter ourselves too much! (Psalm 36:2). Says Proverbs 16:18, “Pride is before a crash, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Likely, there are others more gifted and talented than us in almost anything, so we should “with humility consider others superior to you.” (Phili 2:3). As for anger, we need to maintain self-control. As soon as something causes us a level of irritation, we should take action to channel our energy into fixing the problem, finding the solution, or seeing how to cope with it, perhaps even prayerfully. Allowing anger to take over can cloud one’s judgment, and cause thoughtless speech and hurt feelings (Prove 12:18). While firm for what’s right, we should aim to always treat others gently, with Christian mildness. Also, Proverbs 29:25 says “Trembling at men is a snare, But the one trusting in Jehovah will be protected.” While respecting the rights of others to their opinion, and caring about them, we should still respect God’s thoughts more than man’s, and refuse to let others talk us into disobeying God. Jesus once corrected his apostle Peter, whom he loved, with strong language, adding “You are a stumbling block to me, because you think, not God’s thoughts, but those of men.” Thus, let's be careful not to be swayed from the truth, and let God's word always trump the lies of men. (Roman 3:4).
13. SUMMARY. Thus to summarize, we should guard our associations, including who we pay attention to in media sources for education and entertainment, which can corrupt “good morals” (1Cori 15:33, NASB). We should beware of propaganda—attempts to deceive us by things such as half-truths, slander, and outright lies, often motivated by financial or political gain. We therefore should not “believe every word,” but “ponder each step”—consider carefully before accepting something as true. (Prove 14:15). On the other hand, we should listen carefully to clear instruction by God. We should turn from idolatry, if something rivals the foremost place that God should occupy in our hearts. We should also give attention to Proverbs, for encouragement to find true wisdom, and receive regular guidance in using such wisdom to safeguard our hearts from corruption, from those seeking “dishonest profit” and those “leaving the upright paths to walk in the ways of darkness.” Stay close to God and practice and pray for necessary self-control, while avoiding substance abuse. Then in Galatians we’re cautioned that we will reap what we sow—we need to consider God's view of matters, taking God’s guidance into consideration regarding whatever we seek in life, our goals and desires. We must realize that “unrighteous people will not inherit God’s kingdom,” but upon realizing the truth, a person can turn from a wrong course with God’s help, with faith in Him and Christ’s ransom sacrifice, for forgiveness and a right standing with God. Also, we should treasure and respect God’s marriage arrangements, as the provisions by God for satisfying proper desires—any other behavior is a selfish, disloyal practice that threatens or detracts from God's loving purpose for everlasting life with a loyal marriage partner. (1Cori 6:9-11). We should understand that God is not to blame for evil trials or temptations that may threaten us, but makes “the way out” for us to endure it faithfully. Thus we should spurn selfishness, and appreciate God as the source of “every good gift,” looking to Him as the rightful source of guidance on all we enjoy in life. Let’s also beware of the effects of flattery, anger, and the fear of man, letting God's thoughts trump the lies of men. With genuine faith, we can look forward to an eternal life in true happiness, loving God alongside a loyal marriage partner, and finding delightful friendships as we love all others, living peaceably in the Paradise conditions God originally intended for mankind. (Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 45:18; Revel 21:3-5).