Title: Prudence in the dark times

Definition of prudence. 1 : the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. 2 3 : skill and
good judgment in the use of resources.

Merriam and Webster Dictionary

Tagalog- Maingat na pagpapasya
Proverbs 1:4 NKJV. 4 To give prudence to the bsimple, to the young man knowledge and
discretion

(ERV) These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young
people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned.

Introduction:
• Today we live in the most threatened generation in the world.

From UN report:
“Unreliable and false information is spreading around the world to such an
extent, that some commentators are now referring to the new avalanche of
misinformation that’s accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic as a
‘disinfodemic’. 

And fears are growing that this phenomenon is putting lives at risk, prompting
some with symptoms to try unproven remedies in the hope of ‘curing’
themselves. UNESCO, the UN educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is
leading efforts to counter falsehoods and promote the facts about the virus.

Sadly, says Mr. Berger, some have capitalized on the pandemic, to spread
disinformation for the purposes of advancing their own agendas: “The motives
for spreading disinformation are many, and include political aims, self-promotion,
and attracting attention as part of a business model. Those who do so, play on
emotions, fears, prejudices and ignorance, and claim to bring meaning and
certainty to a reality that is complex, challenging and fast-changing.”

• But, he adds, not everyone responsible for spreading untruths is doing so

maliciously. Well-intentioned people are also uncritically circulating dubious
content. Whatever the reasons, he warns, the outcome is the same: “These
different motives require different responses, but we should not lose sight of the
fact that, irrespective of intention, the effect of sharing falsehoods is to disinform
and disempower the public, with deadly potential.”

• Press Release
July 12, 2021
 Villanueva: Troll farms peddle 'fatal' misinformation
Senator Joel Villanueva joined calls for the Upper Chamber to investigate allegations of public
funds financing "troll" farms which were reportedly established to sow misinformation in time for
the coming elections in 2022.

"Organized trolls are weapons of mass distraction. The seeds of falsehood they plant ripen into hate
ready to be harvested by those who are harmed by the truth," said Villanueva, chair of the Senate labor
committee.

Villanueva joined 11 other senators led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senate
President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto in filing Senate Resolution No. 768, which asked the chamber
to investigate reports that public funds were used to finance troll farms propagating "fake news."
Misinformation, the senator said, could lead to serious consequences, sometimes even fatal.
"When trolls peddle anti-vaccine information, the repercussions are literally deadly," Villanueva
added.
He then called on everyone, including all political groups, to publicly denounce these troll farms
and abandon plans, if there are any, to utilize them in the 2022 elections.
"All political groups should commit to a troll disarmament," Villanueva said

• In the face of widespread deception, how can we personally take steps to protect
ourselves, the church, and our families from being led astray?
• What will you do to protect your faith from all these deception?

1 PETER 5:8 Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling
around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour.(God’s Word Translation)

Lessons from Joshua 9

I. The Deception of Gibeonites
Israel is deceived by the Gibeonites.

Joshua 9:3-6-  But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and
Ai, 4 they worked craftily, and went and  pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks
[b]

on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and  mended, 5 old and patched sandals on their feet, and
[c]

old garments on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. 6 And they
went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come
from a far country; now therefore, make a  covenant with us.”
[d]

A. Israel is deceived into making a treaty with the Gibeonites.

*Who are the Gibeonite? The Gibeonites were a group of people, descended from the
Amorites ( 2 Samuel 21:2 ).

*What is the order of God regarding the people of Canaan

Israel had been expressly forbidden to make peace with the inhabitant of Canaan Ex 23:23-
25,323My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites,
Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out. 24Do not bow down
before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break
their sacred stones to pieces. 25Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your
food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,
v.32 32Do not make a covenant with them or with their gods

exodus 34:13-17, Numbers 33:51-56

B. The character of the Gibeonites .

1. They worked craftily and pretended to be ambassadors. ( Johua 9:4)

2. Israel trusted their senses. Joshua 9:14

They took some of their provisions

5 lies of the Gibeonites:

I. We are from a far country vv. 6,9
II. We came because of the name of the Lord. V.9
III. We took our bread hot when we started and now it is dry and mouldy.
IV. Our wine bottles were new when we started and now they are old and rent
by such a long journey v.13
V. Our garments and shoes were new when we started and now they are worn
out by such a long journey

Gen 3: 1-6 Satan used this deceptive strategy when he tempted Eve.

c. The cause of the deception

Joshua v.14-15. They did not consult the Lord.

For the 2nd time , Joshua acted without first seeking God’s guidance.

The first time was at Ai ( Joshua 7:2-4)

D. The consequences. Joshua 9:15 then Joshua went ahead and signed a peace
treaty with them..

1. They made a treaty with the enemy. They need to keep their word even
when they vow to their own hurt Psalm 15:4

The Gibeonites were spared from death but end up as forever slaves.
Joshua 9:21
 II. How can we know that we are being deceived?
1. We are often deceived when we want to believe what we know we shouldn’t.
When our conscience tells us no and our desires tell us yes, we should listen to
our conscience. Judges 16:6

2. If someone is trying to convince you to do something that contradicts the

Scripture, you can be assured it is wrong. Acts 17:11

3. The promise of deception usually seems too good to be true. Gen 3:6

III.. How can we protect ourselves from deception?

1. We need to make a thorough investigation of the matter. (Know your sources)

Acts 17:11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in
Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures
day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

2. Be watchful
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a
roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

3. Be prudent

Matthew 10:16a (NIV)

“Here I am sending you out like sheep with wolves all round you; so be as wise as
serpents and yet as harmless as doves. But be on your guard against men”

2 Corinthians 2:11
“in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes”

4. Always consult God through prayer and His word before we make an action.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Conclusion:
We are in the last days where deception is widely spread so let us be on guard through
prayer , fill our mind with God’s Word, and we will have better reflexes to quickly say
“no” to Satan lies.