When I’ve made an agreement or promise I regret, it’s not a time to dawdle.
“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth” (Proverbs 6:1-2 NIV).
I can imagine my grandsons using their pirate voices. “Oh, no! Get ye out of there, matey — RUN!”
“So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go — to the point of exhaustion — and give your neighbor no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler” (verses 3-5).
Obviously, in this case I need to take care of business right away, even to the point of exhaustion, and work on getting myself free from the unwise obligation. It should not be put off for any reason.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (verses 6-7).
When a predator alarms a gazelle, it doesn’t take a nap before seeking its escape. And the ant’s diligence is what ensures the colony’s survival. No one tells these animals it’s a good idea to move, and they certainly don’t wait for someone else to free them or store up their food.
May I be so smart.
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 