My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

We should keep wisdom – godly wisdom – and discretion close to our hearts. The world is full of devices of deception; as Christians, we have to stay alert. God’s wisdom shows us the way to go and all the things to turn away from and avoid. We will find life in God’s counsel and nowhere else; we must cling to it, never wanting to let go.We should keep wisdom – godly wisdom – and discretion close to our hearts. The world is full of devices of deception; as Christians, we have to stay alert. God’s wisdom shows us the way to go and all the things to turn away from and avoid. We will find life in God’s counsel and nowhere else; we must cling to it, never wanting to let go.

As an American, it can be difficult at times to contemplate how other nations consider us. Much of the world derides the United States of America because of our foreign policy. When I have traveled or lived in other countries, I could feel the attitudes of people change towards me based on what our government was doing in other countries. I know that the heart of most Americans is good, pure, and does not want us to be involved in wars in any country. Unfortunately, our government sometimes has a different approach, and much of the world considers us in a similar way to the Chaldeans in these verses.
In the selected passage, Habbakuk speaks about the Chaldeans, a vicious and violent people that offend others, kill, deride, and believe in their own God. He wonders how God can stand beside and not look upon them with iniquity. He wonders how God can hold his tongue and not correct the behavior of these wicked people, devouring the good and letting evil reign. I understand the anger that he might feel, but I also understand the opposite side.
Americans are not totally evil! Some people may disagree, but I know that there is good in every person, country, and religion. Humans are not responsible for passing judgment and dictating how God should act.

Dear God, may I always desire to hear and be attentive to your wisdom. Lord, I am aware that this world is full of deception, but you have equipped me with the wisdom to overcome all traps. Father, may I always seek you for discernment in all situations. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.