Proverbs 27:12 - Homiletics

Foresight of evil

I. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO FORSEE ALL FUTURE EVIL . God, in his great mercy, has drawn a thick veil over the face of futurity. We can reason of probabilities; in some cases we can almost predict certainties; but taking the whole round of life, and the full reach of futurity, we have to recognize the fact that the evil to come as well as the good are largely hidden from our view. It would not be possible for us to bear the sight if all dark experiences were crowded into one horrible picture and presented before our imagination at once. We can take one by one the evils that would crush us if we beheld them all together in a mighty, terrible phalanx. When the trouble comes the strength may be given to bear it, but not before.

II. IT IS FOOLISH TO FRET OURSELVES WITH ANXIETIES ABOUT THE MORROW . This is the distinct teaching of Christ, based on various grounds.

1 . We have enough to bear in the present . "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

2 . We cannot command the future . No man by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature or change the natural colour of his hair.

3 . God is our Father . He feeds the wild birds and clothes the fields. Much more will he feed and clothe his own children.

4 . We base higher considerations to absorb our allergies . "Seek first the kingdom of God. and his righteousness."

III. WE NEED TO MAKE A REASONABLE PROVISION FOR THE FUTURE . It may appear that the prudence of the Book of Proverbs is rebuked by teachings of Christ. No doubt our Lord does lift us into a higher atmosphere. But there is no contradiction between the two positions. Indeed, we are best able to banish needless care when we have made proper provision for the future. Thrift does not create anxiety. The man who has insured his house against fire does not dread the incendiary more than the man who has not provided himself against the contingency of a conflagration. He who is prepared for death need not fear death.

IV. IT IS A MARK OF TRUE WISDOM TO GUARD AGAINST THE EVIL THAT MAY BE AVOIDED .

1 . This obtains in secular pursuits . Ignorance is no excuse for not providing against a disaster when reasonable thoughtfulness would have foreseen it. The reckless general who burns the bridges behind him is guilty of the blood of his soldiers who are slaughtered after a great defeat.

2 . This is most true in the spiritual world .