Of a Renewed Mindset

A prudent and far-sighted person sees the evil [of sin] and hides himself [from it],

But the naive continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin].

The reward of humility [that is, having a realistic view of one’s importance] and the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD

Is riches, honor, and life. Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise,

And apply your mind to my knowledge;

For it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind [incorporating them as guiding principles];

Let them be ready on your lips [to guide and strengthen yourself and others].

So that your trust and reliance and confidence may be in the LORD,

I have taught these things to you today, even to you.

Have I not written to you excellent things

In counsels and knowledge,

To let you know the certainty of the words of truth,

That you may give a correct answer to him who sent you?

(Proverbs 22:2-4,17-21) So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls], for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart. And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callous and unfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand]. But you did not learn Christ in this way! If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him], that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]. ( Ephesians 4:17-24) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ; in unity, humility presenting our bodies as a sacrifice and in obedience to His word and percepts, characterized by the attitude and life of Christ Jesus. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. (Romans 12:2)