Sensible

October 15

Jeremiah 22-23

Psalm 115:9-18

Proverbs 25:4-5

Titus 2

Sensible

“Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.  Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may instruct the young women in sensibility: to love their husbands,  to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be slandered.  Likewise, urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be a model of good works, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in word which is irreproachable, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”  Titus 2:2-8  LSB

In his letter to Titus, Paul gave specific instructions to older men, younger men, older women and younger women.  There was individual guidance for each group but they were all told to be sensible.  In general, being sensible refers to being practical and exhibiting common sense.  A person who is sensible makes wise decisions and is sound in their judgments.  They are rational, reasonable and level-headed, not rash or impetuous.  This may sound a bit boring, but don’t we all want sensible people around us to help us make good choices and stay out of trouble.  Being practical helps us look at things in a realistic way and figure out how to best proceed.  We all know people who are very smart but have little or no common sense.  Being able to think accurately and clearly is essential in making wise decisions.  As believers at any stage of life we need to have sound judgment and be guided by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us.  Our actions and the decisions we make are a reflection of Christ.  Acting foolishly and recklessly is not a good testimony to the world and it is not a good example to other believers.   

“The simple believes anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”  Proverbs 14:15 NIV

“The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.”  Proverbs 14:18 NIV

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”  Proverbs 27:12 NIV

“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”  Hebrews 5:14 NIV

“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?  Lest, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.”  Luke 14:28-30 LSB

“Therefore look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  Ephesians 5:15-16 LSB