I. That prudent forethought is essential to success in spiritual as in secular enterprises (Psa_112:5; Pro_11:29; Pro_12:23; Pro_14:15; Luk_14:28).
II. That prudent forethought is not opposed, but helpful, to spiritual faith.
1. It furnishes a rational basis for expecting success.
2. It acts upon the supposition that mental powers were given to be employed in the service of God.
3. It takes no step without seeking Divine guidance and approval. (Homiletic Commentary.)
Common sense in religious work
When we go about the Lord’s work, we must not leave our wits behind us, or forget the principles of business and the rules of daily life. Neither should we ignore difficulties or suppose that they will disappear before some miracle-working power. Although depending solely on the Lord, we need not denude ourselves of judgment and common sense. (W. P. Lockhart.)
Prayer and common sense
So I stood and “prayedunto the God of heaven--then I asked the king to give me letters.” This is the true model of prayer to pray to the King of kings and then to accept the ordinary appointments of life; to invoke Omnipotence, and then to use your senses. Have you been praying? Did you sit in your chair and pray that you might be able at the end of the week to make both ends meet, and then fall asleep until the time came, and wake up to find that both ends did not meet? That was not prayer at all. I will pray God to help me to pay every debt I owe, to overcome every difficulty in my way. Now, having said my prayer, let me go out and do it. (J. Parker, D. D.)
