Proverbs 14:7, When To Flee

August 4, Proverbs 14:7

Jude 23; Rom. 11:14; Rev. 3:4 “Depart ye, depart ye,… touch no unclean thing” (Isa. 52:11).

When To Flee

Do not think it is an act of courage to put your head into the lion’s jaws. That would be foolhardy in the extreme.

1. Why You Should Flee? Go from the presence of a foolish man. The same is true in the moral and spiritual battles. God’s word forbids fellowship with the foolish as well as the ungodly. It is never safe to go against the clear teaching of Scripture (2 Cor. 6:14-18). Many, with a burden for the lost, seeking to rescue them, have ventured among the ungodly. Laudable as this is, it is dangerous, and requires great spiritual wisdom. Man is his brother’s keeper. Jude 23 says, Others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire. Why with fear? Surely because the wise fear sin above all, and are fearful of their own strength in this battle. It is best, if you go among the foolish that you “rush in, grab your quarry, and rush out!” To dally in the presence of such may put your own soul in peril. Recall how Joseph lost his coat to a woman as he fled from her presence in order to save his character (Gen. 39:12). Many who thought they were strong enough to withstand temptation, ended up joining those they sought to bring out of the fire (1 Cor. 15:33)! A. H. Strong said: “Let us learn not to fondle Satan.” You are to resist the devil and he will flee from you (Jas. 4:7). Submit and he roars; resist and he flees. Don’t court temptation, but when temptation comes, flee from it with all speed (1 Tm. 6:11; 2 Tm. 2:22).

2. When You Should Flee? When thou perceive not in him the lips of knowledge. The rule of sanctified common sense should direct our conduct at all times. When resisted, for whatever reason, go from the presence of such fools. Our Lord warns: Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. He also spoke of shaking off the dust of your feet and departing from those who will not receive your message (Matt. 7:6; 10:14). Police advise parents to keep their children away from fast flowing streams in Springtime. Even though the bank may look safe, the soil underneath may have been eroded. It is easier to keep out of the stream than to stem the current. So it is with the path of sin. Of this be assured, however, as was Joseph, that God is on the side of the right. God’s Word admonishes us to keep as far from the edge of the precipice as possible. Remember, Satan does more hurt in a sheepskin than when he roars like a lion. “Between right and wrong there is no middle path,” but many try to make one.

There is a right way and a wrong,
You cannot travel both along.
Choose this or that without delay,
But don’t pretend a middle way.

Thought: Remember, you are in perpetual war with the old nature.

Prayer: Lord, for the wisdom to always know when to fight and when to flee.