Finding Wisdom in ProverbsSample

Discernment

Remember the First Rule of Holes

A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:24

“When you’re in a hole, stop digging.” My friend Cliff told me that many years ago.

He called it the First Rule of Holes. It’s a reminder that the first step to getting out of trouble is to stop doing what got you in trouble in the first place.

That’s good advice.

The Hebrew word translated “discerning” in this verse is common in the Old Testament. It has the idea of considering a situation carefully, studying all the options, pondering possible courses of action, and then choosing the best approach. By contrast, a fool pays no attention to anything around him but blithely lets his mind wander and so stumbles from one predicament to another.

A father was talking with his son about sound financial principles when the question arose: What do you do when you are already in debt? The answer is easy to find: Get out of debt as quickly as possible.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? When you find yourself in a financial hole, stop digging! You’re already in a hole. Don’t make matters worse by using your credit cards. If you want to get out of the hole, your first step is to ensure you’re not digging deeper.

The same principle applies across the board. What’s the first step in losing weight? Stop digging! You’re already in a hole, and it’s a tight fit because your waistline has expanded. Lay off the fat, forget about sweets, and stock up on fresh kale.

Not long ago, someone asked me a very pointed question. This person had been involved in a pattern of sinful behavior. He wanted to know why he should stop since he had been doing it for such a long time. My answer was simple: If I were talking to a thief, I would tell him, “Stop stealing.” If I were speaking to a murderer, I would say, “Stop killing.” If a student cheats on his exams, I would say, “Stop cheating.” The first step in changing your behavior is to stop the destructive actions that have gotten you into your mess.

When Jesus met the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11), He didn’t condemn her, but He didn’t condone her behavior. After routing her accusers, He told her, “Neither do I condemn you …. Go now and leave your life of sin” (v. 11). Was this woman forgiven by Jesus? I believe she was. Did she have a new life? Yes, she did. But she had suddenly come from immorality into a relationship with Jesus Christ. He would not condemn her, for she had condemned herself by her sin. Jesus said her new life must be evidenced by a radical change in behavior: “Go and sin no more.”

Are you suffering from anger and bitterness? Do you feel trapped by repeated failure? Would you like to see true change in your life? Are you experiencing trouble — morally, spiritually, financially, emotionally, or relationally? There are many things you can do to help yourself. But start at the right place.

When you’re in a hole, stop digging!

Lord, I need Your help to stop doing the things that are hurting me so that I can begin to do the things that will make me better. Amen.

1. What “holes” are in you right now? Have you stopped digging yet?

2. In what areas of your life do you need discernment?