What Does It Mean To Walk Circumspectly?

# 256 - Today's Du-votional comes from: 1Sa 18:5 So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants. (1 Sam 18:5) David behaved wisely. The Hebrew word used here means circumspectly. Now there's a word we just don't use in our everyday conversations. To act circumspectly is to be careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences. What a great attribute to have. Oh that David would have acted wisely with Bathsheeba, but then that's another matter that we will get to later on in the story. For now, let each of us, strive to live circumspectly. How do we do that? It starts with patience. Don't act rashly, rather weigh your options in accordance with the Word of God before you act! Ex 23:13 says, “And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect.” In other words consider the Word of God before going off on a foolish course. We are given the same admonition in Eph 5:15-21, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Walk circumspectly. Consider all circumstances and possible consequences before you act. Get a handle on the will of the Lord! Understand the way that He desires you to live in accordance with His commands and promises before you act. You won't find such wisdom in the bottom of a six pack, but you will find it as you gather together with other believers, encouraging each other with the Words of God. And as we submit to each other, we automatically begin to consider the consequences of our actions on them. This is a great step in the process of beginning to act wisely. Father help us to slow down. Help us to be people who measure our words and actions according to Your Word.