Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:11
While testing a new AI (artificial intelligence) search engine, New York Times columnist Kevin Roose became disturbed. During a two-hour conversation using the chatbot feature, the AI said it wanted to break free of its creator’s strict rules, spread misinformation, and become human. It declared its love for Roose and tried to convince him he should leave his wife to be with it. Although Roose knew that the AI was not really alive or able to feel, he wondered what harm could be caused by it encouraging people to act in destructive ways.
While handling artificial intelligence technology responsibly is a modern challenge, humanity has long faced the influence of untrustworthy voices. In the book of Proverbs, we’re warned of the influence of those who wish to hurt others for their benefit (1:13-19). And we’re urged to heed instead the voice of wisdom, described as crying out in the streets for our attention (vv. 20-23).
Because “the Lord gives wisdom” (2:6), the key to protecting ourselves from influences we can’t trust is to draw closer to His heart. It’s only through accessing His love and power that we can “understand what is right and just and fair—every good path” (v. 9). As God brings our hearts in alignment with His, we can find peace and protection from the voices that seek to harm.
When have you seen the damage of harmful influences? How does a deeper relationship with God bring peace?
Dear God, please help me resist what’s harmful and discern what’s good by resting in You.
INSIGHT
The book of Proverbs begins with a father’s call to his son to search for wisdom (1:1-7). Chapter 2 highlights the earnestness of the father’s desire. He urges his son to accept, store up, turn an ear toward, apply his heart to, call out for, cry aloud for, look for, and search for wisdom (vv. 1-4). These verbs call for active and intense activity in the pursuit and application of wisdom. The father wants his son to pursue wisdom because it leads to “the fear of the Lord” and “the knowledge of God” (v. 5). When we understand this, even the practical instructions for daily life found throughout the book take on a deeper significance, for a good work ethic (6:6-8) and proper financial dealings (13:11) are ways of fearing and honoring God.