“So the men of Israel took some of their [the Gibeonites] provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the LORD.” (Josh. 9:14)
Just one small step was skipped in making the treaty with the Gibeonites. Joshua and the other leaders considered God’s laws against making pacts with people in the land, they investigated carefully to the best of their ability the evidence that the Gibeonites were not from the area (i.e. the worn out sandals and the torn wineskins). Careful consideration was made to the best of their ability to do things right.
But that is the problem: the best of our ability isn’t good enough. Prepare for the journey all you want – flat tires still happen. Use all the wisdom in the world before investing your money and the stock market may still crash. Get a second or third opinion from the best doctors in the world and you still run the risk of the unknown quantity.
The brightest minds in the world still can’t know everything. So ask counsel of the LORD. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17). Be faithful, and inquisitive, and wise in your dealings, but never forget to inquire of God for His help and protection. A prayerful novice is more blessed than a prideful expert.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)
#Biblebites Matt. 4:4