Choices--Foolish Or Wise


A Foolish Choice.


A young man named Lot traveled about with

his uncle Abraham. In those days they used to

go from place to place, to find pasture and water

for their cattle. As each of them had many 

servants, and the servants could not agree, it 

was thought better that they should live apart. 

Abraham kindly gave Lot his choice to go which 

way he pleased. So Lot looked about, and chose

 a fine country, where he thought he should 

become rich, and went there without inquiring

 what sort of people dwelt there.

This was a sad mistake, for, as the Bible says,

A little that a righteous man hath, is better than

the riches of many wicked;" and, its Evil 

company corrupts good manners." We had better

 have less riches, and dwell among those who 

fear God, and set a good example, than have 

riches and go in the way of wickedness. Lot

 found it so.

The people among whom he dwelt were so very

wicked, that at last God sent fire from heaven to

destroy the whole city; and Lot himself, and all

his family, would have perished, but that God in

mercy sent an angel to warn them, and bring 

them out. Indeed, some of his family did perish,

 for they had got so connected with the wicked

 people in the city, that they would not mind 

their father, when he called them to come out; 

so they died with the rest, and all the wealth 

that Lot had so much desired, was entirely 

destroyed.

Children should remember this when they go

to seek a place. Do not go among the wicked for

the sake of worldly gain. It will surely come to

poverty and misery in the end.


A Wise Choice.

SOLOMON was the son of King David. His father

had taken care to teach him what was good

from his childhood. When David was dead.

 Solomon

became king, and he was concerned to know

how he should act, and govern the people in the

fear of God.

The Lord, who saw the desires of Solomon's

heart. He gave him leave to mention what was 

his chief wish, and it should be granted. Instead

 of asking, as most young people would have 

done, for riches, or honor, or pleasure, he asked

 for a wise and understanding heart, that he 

might know how to perform his duty.

The request was so pleasing in the sight of

God, that he granted Solomon all that he asked,

so that he had more wisdom than any man before

or since; besides which, God added to him that

which he had not asked for, riches, and honor, 

and length of days.

And God has been pleased to promise, that if

we seek first his kingdom and righteousness, all

other good things shall be added to us.



YI