Be a good thinker.

The simple believes everything,

but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

Proverbs 14:15

It seems to me there would be a lot less social media and cultural drama if people followed this clear proverb. And we wouldn’t be inundated with fake news from friends if we all paused and simply thought first. Yes, a social media post is a “step” we ought to give careful thought to. Like it or not, it has become a medium that shapes culture in this tech-driven, crowd-sourced day in which we live.

I’ve been too guilty of not applying thought to my life in this category. And I’ve had to go back in apology to people that I have unintentionally offended in a thoughtless effort to be funny or to come off as “internet cool”. I’d just rather not regularly do that. It is very foolish to just post away without prayerful thought. 

This part of Proverbs follows up with a reminder of the good that can come if we will “give thought” to our steps. Look at the next verse:

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

Proverbs 14:16

Careful thought turns away evil. To not do so is reckless endangerment. This is pretty clear. Let’s think Christianly about what we say and do!

Want to know how to start to do that? Here is a list to get us thinking the right way from Philippians 4:8-9:

• Think on the truth God reveals in His Word. Fact check your thoughts and words against proven facts and God’s Word.
• Think on what will honor God. Will God be pleased with this?
• Think on what God reveals as justice among us. Does this devalue people made in God’s image?
• Think on purity. Does this reflect holiness?
• Think on what is lovely in our Creator’s world. Will this draw attention to the God Who rules us?
• Think on what is commended as good by God. Is the standard ultimately God or man?
• Think on what is excellent. The low road leads to less than the best outcome many times.
• Think on what promotes the praise of God. Can I honestly praise God with what I am about to say or do?
• Do what you have learned as a disciple of Jesus. Did Jesus call me to this?

All of these things are promised to bring God’s peace to the believer. Oh, that we would be good thinkers first!