“An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth A Pound of Cure.”

Benjamin Franklin famously made this statement in 1736 to the people of Philadelphia related to fire hazards. He understood that just a little fire prevention could save them from a major fire that would sweep through a dwelling or even the whole city. He understood that a dry season, wood structures, and a little wind could decimate the city. This past week while touring the Missouri Capitol, I saw pictures of the first two Capitol buildings which were both destroyed by fire prior to 1917 when the current Capitol was built. I also remember when we worked in California at a Christian camp how annually they had to take all the pine needles and move them away from the structures to help prevent fires. Why? Because what Benjamin Franklin said was proverbially true, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

What Is Proverbially True Then Is Still True Today

Benjamin Franklin pointed out the obvious; yet, often we miss this simple proverbial truth.

  • Handwashing minimizes the spread of germs.
  • Oil changes protect a vehicle’s engine.
  • A coat of paint seals wood from rotting.
  • Checking the seals on a trailer keeps a wheel on the axel.
  • Looking both ways before crossing a street protects many vital organs.
  • Proof-reading a paper helps pass a course.
  • A cancer screening detects pre-cancerous polyps.
  • What would you add?

I just barely scratched the surface. I made a list of all kinds of ways this is true. Think of the categories of your life: relationships, residence, health, vocation, hobbies, transportation, among many. Then, consider all the types of places where just a bit of prevention can prevent a pound of cure.

Spiritually This Is True

Key Bible Verses

The Bible teaches this as well. As a follower of Christ who strives to honor God in everything, this proverbial statement applies as well. The Bible does not say it just as Benjamin Franklin; however, the principle is taught all over the Bible both in principle and in narrative. Consider some of these key verses:

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:7-9)

[In the context of giving] 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail. (Proverbs 22:8)

As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same. (Job 4:8)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

[To bondservants] 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. (Colossians 3:23-25)

In one way or another, all of these texts teach a similar proverb. If you will pay attention today to do those things which benefit you (an ounce of prevention), in the future, you will reap either great rewards or reap something much worse (a pound of cure).

A Sample of Bible Stories

We see this principle in Bible narratives as well. Think with me as I remind you of just a few (there are many!):

  • Had King David guarded his eyes and his heart, he would have honored God with Bathsheba.
  • If Moses would have guarded his attitude, he would have obeyed God and not struck the rock.
  • Had Peter prayed and prepared for temptation, he would not have denied Christ three times.
  • If Cain would have been sensitive to what honored God, he would not have killed his brother Abel.

The opposite also was true.

  • Daniel memorized the Word of God and feared God; he then managed the temptations of Babylon.
  • Joseph trusted God; he handled temptations of lust and revenge.
  • Esther trusted her cousin’s godly advice; an entire nation was saved.
  • Ruth made a decision to be faithful to Naomi; she became the Great Grandmother of King David.
  • Jesus walked with God; he responded perfectly to all pressured situations.

An Ounce of Spiritual Prevention Is Worth Far More Than A Pound of Cure

Friend, let me encourage you today to do regular self-counsel. Prepare for the pressure before you get into it. Consider your heart, your attitude, your dependency upon the Lord, and your desires. Further, read God’s Word, memorize it, meditate on it, and seek to live by it. Attend church to participate in worship, hear God’s Word taught, and fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray like your life depends upon it, communicate your dependency upon God, and be grateful. Read other godly literature that helps you consider the application of Scriptural principles in order to love God supremely and your neighbor sincerely. Look for places to identify where you are not living for the Lord, identify what you need to do to change, and then seek to change for the glory of God.

This gets you started. An ounce of spiritual prevention – self-counsel and spiritual discipline which leads to change – is worth a pound of cure – a life of godliness which leads to great blessings versus ungodliness which leads to corruption and destruction.

 

Tired? Weary? Hard to Persevere?

This may help: Are You Weary in Doing Good?

 

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