Be sure! This is a wise advice. Many do not know for sure what is their situation in life. They live in a hit and miss way. But God wants you to be sure. He does not want you to live in an unsure way.
Here He wants us to specifically know the condition of our flocks. Flocks here could stand for that what would bring us an income. If we leave things to happen for themselves it never will.
More than that there is the danger of things slipping out of hand and then we will be left with nothing. Always be sure of the present condition or status of the flocks.
Give careful attention! This talks of our interest in the job that we have in hand. Only if we are thoroughly interested would we have the enthusiasm to show careful attention. Many work in a slipshod fashion.
That means work is done without care or in a careless manner. This is not a godly way of doing our work. We are asked by God to give careful attention to what we are doing.
One reason for this advice is that riches do not endure forever. Riches are never permanent. They can be ours one day. Yet without proper care they might be lost.
Another reason for the above advice is that a crown is not secure for all generations. Kingdoms have risen and fallen. History is full of examples of this kind. That means positions, like riches, are also not permanent.
So we are asked not to trust in riches or positions. But we are called to be very practical in assessing our life situation. We need to be sure of the condition of our flocks. Also we are asked to pay careful attention. That means to work with enthusiasm.
If we do these, then we can be assured of provisions when we need them. They will surely come at the right time when it is best needed.
—
More Manna: