"Drive Safely, My Friend"

Scripture Passage

Proverbs 5:1-7:27

Scripture Focus

Can a man scoop a flame into his lap
     and not have his clothes catch on fire?
Can he walk on hot coals
     and not blister his feet?
                         (Proverbs 6:27-28 NLT)

Observation

A wealthy businessman was interviewing for a new chauffer. He’d narrowed the field to three candidates, and then asked each one a challenging question regarding their driving skills. “At 70 mph, how close to the edge of a dangerous cliff could you confidently drive?”

The first assured his potential employer that he could easily drive within a foot of the edge. The second boasted that he’d only require six inches. The third? “My job is to deliver you safely and securely—I’d stay as far from that edge as possible!”

The third man got the job.

Proverbs 5-7 provides wise warnings on a number of subjects. Most predominantly, there are significant warnings on guarding the sanctity of the marriage relationship, but there are additional warnings about not being obligated on someone else’s debt (co-signing) and learning the discipline of diligent work (work ethic). All of these warnings, in my mind, get summarized in Proverbs 6:27-28

Can a man scoop a flame into his lap
     and not have his clothes catch on fire?
Can he walk on hot coals
     and not blister his feet?
                           (Proverbs 6:27-28 NLT)

The obvious answer to those questions is “no”. And what should be equally obvious is that you can’t play close to the edges in any of these areas of life without going over the edge—and that you’ll not go over the edge without significant negative consequences.

So what’ll it be? As close to the edge as possible? Pushing the limits at every opportunity? Or driving with the wisdom required assuring you reach your desired destination safely and securely? Drive wisely today, my friend. Drive wisely.