An
Australian study concluded that plainer cigarette packages would make smoking
less appealing to teens. In response, the Australian government introduced
legislation that would require tobacco companies to replace color, logos, and
promotional text on cigarette packages with health warnings and images of
diseased lungs. In effect, the Marlboro Man would give way to the Grim Reaper
in an effort to reduce the number of deaths caused by smoking. But cigarette
packaging isn’t the only thing that may be tempting on the outside with a toxic
product inside.
The Old
Testament book of Proverbs urges us to carefully consider the long-term results
of all our choices. The recurring phrase “in the end” (Prov. 5:4; 25:8; 29:21)
is a warning to look down the road and ask if what we’re attracted to will
ultimately lead to joy or sorrow, honor or disgrace, life or death. “For the
Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores
up sound wisdom for the upright” (2:6-7).
The key
to avoiding the tragic results of foolish choices is embracing God’s wisdom as
our guide through life. “Then [we] will understand righteousness and justice,
equity and every good path” (v.9).
Wisdom is
understanding what’s really important. (RBC)
