The old scholar, Matthew Henry, had an apt description of a wicked person. He wrote, in the language of the 1600s, that the wicked man “brazens [his face], that he may not blush—steels it, that he may not tremble when he commits the greatest crimes; he bids defiance to the terrors of the law and the checks of his own conscience….” The wicked man—a description of the person who does not know God—will do what they want to do, and nothing will get in their way.

Here’s how the Proverbs describes the action of a wicked person in contrast to the person who is upright.

Proverbs 21:29
A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways.

On the other hand, a man or woman of integrity takes adequate time to think and pray about their direction. They are neither lazy nor a procrastinator. They want to get things done, but they want to do things right—in God’s way and timing. This person may even take time to share their thoughts and ideas with a trusted counselor or mentor.

So…here we have two people. One who will do what they want, when they want to do it, and how they want it done. It’s their way or the highway! The upright person is humble enough to check their heart, talk to God, and get advice from others who love God. Hmm, I wonder who’s going to make the best decision.

Father, keep us from rash and imprudent decisions. Slow us down. Speak to our hearts. Open our ears to hear your still, small voice. Lord, please help us to always give thought to our ways.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.