Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “circumspect” in the following way: “Careful to consider all circumstances and consequences.” I was struck by this definition in regard to the word as it appears twice in Scripture once in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament.
In connection with the Mosaic law and the instruction given by God to His redeemed people Israel, they were exhorted thus: “In all things that I have said unto you be circumspect” (Ex. 23:1313And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. (Exodus 23:13)). There were penalties and consequences if they disobeyed God’s commandment if they sinned. Their history, as it is given in Scripture, testifies to this fact over and over again.
Yes, everything we do has a consequence! Every choice we make has an impact on our life. It will be either for good or for bad for blessing or for evil—for bringing joy or for bringing sorrow.
Many an elderly saint of God weeps as he reaps the results of not walking carefully and weighing the import and effect of his actions when he was younger. How often as children we disobeyed or deceived our parents without considering the end result. Let us be careful as the children of God that we do not fall into the same pattern. Let us walk as wise believers, not as fools.
Time is short! We only have a few, brief moments left to live for Christ and glorify Him here in this world. The days are evil indeed, but He is able to keep us through every circumstance and every decision of the pathway of faith. Let us learn to live in the “fear of the Lord” (Prov. 1:77The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)).
J. Hyland