Just Say No

She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 AMPC

Most translations and versions say she considers the field, evaluates it or looks at it, but the meaning of consider and all it entails is often lost. What does she consider or evaluate? The price? The soil? What it will take to develop it?

I love how the Amplified (classic) lends a full explanation. She considers it from all angles, including "not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties". It's a much-needed lesson for today's world.

So often we say 'yes' to a task because of who asked us and/or because of what someone might think about us if we say 'no'. We don't consider the toll on family time - spouse or children or proper rest for ourselves. We don't consider the cost to our time and strength with an already full schedule.  We don't wait to see what God has to say about it. What will we sacrifice? From where or what will we cut time to allow for the new task? 

Let's be wise. Let's not court neglect of our present duties by assuming other duties. Let's consider - really consider - and perhaps just say No. 

Prayer:

Father,

           Open our hearts to hear Your clear direction. Open our eyes to see where You would have us go. According to Your Word, for You are our rock and our fortress; for Your name's sake lead us and guide us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0nDUpXmdig