Examples to Warn Us

Edward Gibbon had a complicated life. Born to a wealthy English family on this day in 1737, he became an avid reader. His father, disappointed when Gibbon embraced Catholicism, sent him to Switzerland to live with a Protestant minister. This time enriched his understanding of history and literature.

Back in England, Gibbon continued his studies. Then, in 1764, a visit to Rome sparked ideas that resulted in one of history’s most important books, his two-volume, “The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.” Over time, this work gained enormous influence because of his many insights about character and decisions.

Among his most profound conclusions, Gibbon observed that history is “little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.” That, over and over again, “events seldom make a deep or lasting impression,” and people often forget the past, and fail to learn the lessons of history. Yet generation after generation tends to repeat the same mistakes.

Gibbon echoed the warning of the Bible, which is filled with many profound lessons and examples that are given for our benefit. To help us see witness how lives can be ruined by wrong desires. What happens when we pursue deceitful goals. When we focus on temporary pleasures, ignoring God’s Word. When we grumble and complain.

Today, remember to heed the warnings of the Bible. Learn from its lessons and warnings. Be on guard against pride. Humble yourself. Be constant in prayer. Ask God to help you to be wise and not a victim but a victor.