The Dangers of Wandering

Day Seventy-Three

The Danger of Wandering (Read Proverbs 27:6-16)

⁶ Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
    but an enemy multiplies kisses.

⁷ One who is full loathes honey from the comb,
    but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

⁸ Like a bird that flees its nest
    is anyone who flees from home.

⁹ Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
    and the pleasantness of a friend
    springs from their heartfelt advice.

¹⁰ Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
    and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—
    better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.

¹¹ Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;
    then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

¹² The prudent see danger and take refuge,
    but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

¹³ Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
    hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.

¹⁴ If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning,
    it will be taken as a curse.

¹⁵ A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping
    of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;

Reflection:
Something is unsettling about seeing a bird far from its nest. The nest represents safety, security, and purpose—where the bird belongs. When it strays too far, it exposes itself to dangers and uncertainties. We have Barn Swallows at both campuses, who dive-bomb anyone close to their nest. The parent birds go to great lengths to protect their young, including ensuring the little birds don’t stray from the nest. Proverbs 27:8 uses this imagery to describe a person who wanders from their home, both physically and spiritually.

Wandering from home can mean more than just physically leaving a place; it can also represent drifting away from the values, relationships, and purposes that ground us. Like a bird away from its nest, we can become vulnerable when we stray from the place God has prepared for us. Unlike the little birds, humans have free will and tend to stray because of their weakness, pursuing a “my will be done” life versus a “Thy will be done" life. We risk losing our sense of direction, becoming isolated, and exposing ourselves to unnecessary hardships when we live in the world and visit the kingdom versus living in the kingdom and visiting the world.

Spiritually, “home” is where we find our identity in Jesus, our purpose in God’s plan, and our security in His promises. We can find ourselves lost and disconnected when we wander from this spiritual home—whether through distraction, rebellion, or neglect. The danger of wandering is that it often starts subtly, with small steps that lead us further and further from where we belong. Sin always starts small and then grows to the size of a two-ton elephant sitting on our chests. James 1:14-16 says, “That desire gives birth to sin, and sin leads to death.” Matthew 15:19 says, “That sin starts in the mind and heart.”

The good news is that, like the prodigal son, we can always return home. God is ready to welcome us back, restore us, and place us securely in His purpose for our lives. But the key is recognizing when we’ve strayed and consciously chose to return to Him. The bad news is that humans gamble with their lives and salvation, assuming they’ll always return if it gets bad enough. They often reach the point of no return or perish altogether before ever coming back home, which grieves God’s heart.  

Reflection Questions

• In what ways have you strayed from the “home” God has prepared for you, whether spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or physically?
• What factors or distractions cause you to wander from your purpose or relationship with God? What worldly vices entice your deepest desires?
• How does straying from your spiritual home affect your sense of peace, security, direction, and future?

Challenge for the Day
Reflect on your life and consider if there are areas where you’ve been wandering. Are there relationships, responsibilities, or spiritual disciplines that you’ve neglected? Have you strayed from your purpose or your relationship with God? Take time today to evaluate where you are and where you belong. If you’ve strayed, confess it, make amends when necessary, seek wise counsel, and don’t hesitate to return to your spiritual home, where God’s love and purpose await you.

Prayer:
Lord, I recognize that I tend to wander. Help me to stay close to You and to the purpose You’ve given me. If I’ve strayed, give me the wisdom and courage to return home to You. Keep me grounded in Your love, and guide me in my steps so that I may fulfill Your purpose for my life. Thank You for always being there, ready to welcome me back with open arms. Amen.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today’s wisdom.