When we don’t understand the true worth and value of a thing, abuse is inevitable. Merriam Webster defines "value” as, "worth, importance, to esteem, to hold in respect.”  When we make poor personal choices, we are demonstrating that we don’t understand our own true worth and value.  You could say, just like Solomon, our judgment has become clouded or perverted.     

Have you ever started down a road, and you realized it was the wrong road?  Somewhere along the road, you realize you're in unfamiliar territory and it wasn't your intention to start down that road in the first place.  But you have to wait until the next exit which is miles away.  You know you have obligations that might go unfulfilled…..maybe an appointment…..maybe a curfew…..maybe a responsibility to your family, co-workers or your church….maybe even a promise to God.....and now you're gonna be LATE!!!  You've gone too far, and you've stayed too long.  But you believe you can make up for the lost time when you get back.  You could say that your judgment was momentarily clouded or perverted, and now you must deal with the circumstances.   It happens to the best of us.  Self examination is the first step to recovery.  Be honest with yourself today.  In what areas of your life have you allowed your judgment to become clouded or perverted and now you are not on the right road?  Write them down on a sheet of paper or in a journal.  Do not share it with anyone.  You will use this later to write a plan for recovery.  (Repeat the GEM FOR TODAY)

GEM FOR TODAY:  Father I thank You that You have not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  My mind is sound, and I desire an understanding heart to judge righteously.  Teach me how to judge every situation by the truth of Your Word, in Jesus' Name.  Amen.