Proverbs 22:3

"A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished." (Proverbs 22:3 NKJV)

The truth of this proverb is far reaching. To be prudent means to exercise good judgment, common sense and caution. Such a one who can see a coming storm that will bring great destruction will take necessary precautions to avoid calamity. The idea of forseeing is emphasized by Jesus Himself when He told his disciples to watch and pray (Matt. 26:41, Mark 13:33 and Mark 14:38). Watching in the sense He is referring to means to be alert and vigilant, to have an awareness of what's going on. If we were able to foresee a hurricane coming, wouldn't it be best to take appropriate measures to protect ourselves?

Sadly, some choose to ride the storm out while ignoring the danger. In the same way, those in the time of Noah were unconcerned with the warnings of a coming flood which would bring total destruction. So it is today, that many who are told of hell and eternal damnation for those apart from Christ refuse to consider His claims. Just like those scoffers who perished in the great flood, there are many today who think it's a bunch of nonsense and they live accordingly at their own peril. They just pass on by, going about their business as time is ticking away while death and the second coming of Christ both draw near. Some of them equate hiding with weakness, but when it comes to evil it is not so!

David, who was certainly no coward, saw things this way:

"You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:7 NAS)

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1 NAS)

YHWH is our hiding place in times of trouble, in evil times. We need to exercise prudence and forsesight to know when evil is approaching so that we can prepare ourselves, so that we'll know to run to Him rather than keep going forward while ignoring all of the danger signs. At the same time, we also have a responsibility to sound the alarm and let others know what is coming. There is no guarantee they will take heed, and it is up to each person to decide for himself. I am so thankful we have Almighty God, our Deliverer as One who will shelter and protect us in times of evil.