Swans frequently visit Mill Pond, England, where RBC Regional Director Howard Liverance lives. He writes, “It’s a beautiful place . . . where ducks, geese, and other waterfowl frolic playfully.” Yet even in this idyllic setting there has been danger. Across one corner of the pond are some power lines. A number of swans have been killed because they didn’t see them as they approached the pond.

Howard talked with some people about this problem, and eventually the power company installed red flags on the lines. Now the swans can see the danger and avoid it. Since the red flags were installed, not a single swan has died.

God has provided some “red flags” for our protection. The book of Proverbs is filled with warnings about evil and encourages us to seek wisdom. In Proverbs 13:1-14, we find several red flags, including:

• Don’t ignore instruction and rebuke (v.1).
• Guard your mouth (v.3).
• Beware of the pursuit of riches (v.7).
• Avoid dishonesty (v.11).
• Don’t disrespect God’s Word (v.13).

 The Word of God “is a fountain of life, to turn [us] away from the snares of death” (v.14).  — Anne Cetas