Men of experience have seen stealthy hands slipping the bolts that Satan might enter; yet they have held their peace with apparent indifference as to the results. Some have been glad to see this, as it seemed an extenuation of their past neglect, which made it a necessity to call for others to fill the posts of responsibility that they had abused or neglected. This lack of watchfulness on the part of these newer incumbents seemed to excuse the former for their own want of faithfulness, as it showed that others were fully as derelict in duty. These persons do not realize that God holds them responsible for every advantage gained by the foe who is admitted to the fort. The desolation and ruin following lie at the door of the unfaithful sentinels, who, by their neglect, become agents in the hands of the adversary to win souls to destruction. Men in responsible positions should seek wisdom and guidance of God, and not trust to their own judgment and knowledge. Like Solomon they should earnestly pray for faith and light, and God will give them freely of His abundant supply. {4T 211.3}

Erfarne mænd har set listende hænder slå låsen fra, så Satan kan komme ind; alligevel har de ikke sagt noget om den tilsyneladende ligegyldighed der er kommet som følge. Nogle har været glade for at se dette, da det var som en formildelse af deres tidligere forsømmelse, som gjorde det nødvendigt at få andre til at udfylde de ansvarsfulde poster, som de havde misbrugt eller forsømt. Denne (212) mangel på årvågenhed fra disse nyansattes side, synes at undskylde de tidligere ansatte for deres mangel på trofasthed, ligesom det viste sig at andre var ligeså værdiløse i opgaven. Disse personer indser ikke at Gud drager dem til ansvar for enhver fordel den fjende fik, som fik adgang til befæstningen. Efterfølgende trøstesløshed og ruin ligger for de upålidelige skildvagters dør, som, på grund af deres forsømmelse, blev agenter i fjendens hænder, der så fik sjæle ødelagt. Mænd i ansvarsbetyngede stillinger bør søge efter Guds visdom og vejledning og ikke stole på deres egen dømmekraft og kundskab. Ligesom Salomon burde de bede alvorligt efter tro og lys og Gud vil give frit ud af hans overdådige beholdning.