No One Likes A Cheat

There is nothing more offensive to a high achiever than someone who gets the same accolades through deceptive means.

Judges 14:1-20

Reference: v.19 Then the Spirit of the Lord came on him in power. He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, stripped them of everything and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle. Burning with anger, he returned to his father’s home. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: In primary school it would be fair to say that I was a high achiever.  I enjoyed school, got along well with my teachers, and tried hard to get good grades.  As a result, I was one of the top of my class (unfortunately this only lasted for my primary school years!!)  I was not one of those lucky people who were just naturally brilliant.  I did have some smarts about me, but I still had to work for my achievements.  There is nothing more offensive to a high achiever than someone who gets the same accolades through deceptive means.  I remember there being a number of classmates who would regularly have wandering eyes during a test, so I was very careful as to who I would sit next to.

Application: It seems that Samson was not keen on cheats either.  He asked a group of men a riddle, and wanted them to work it out for themselves, and yet they cheated expecting him not to notice.  While Samson had a lot going for him it seems that wisdom was a very important trait to him.  God seemed to honour Samson when he made wise decisions and I think God still does the same today.  A wise decision is not always the most popular choice, but it has the best outcome.

Prayer: Lord God, often we find there is not a right and wrong decision, but the best result comes down to wisdom.  Give us your wisdom so that we may discern correctly. Amen.

What are you seeking wisdom for?

achievement, choices, decisions, Judges, wisdom