A few months ago, I signed up for a nine-month, in-depth, “in your face” kind of Bible study that has honestly been somewhat of a love hate relationship. I have loved the insight and the knowledge of God’s Word that has been regularly reinforced, but if I’m honest, there have been several times that I’ve squirmed in discomfort from the conviction. Change is hard, and facing your own shortcomings of God’s glory is difficult to embrace. But it’s necessary.
If there is anything that I’ve been learning through this process, it’s just that. Change is necessary when it comes to life in Christ. We met Jesus at the cross, but it’s foolishness for us to remain there, never moving forward in our relationship with Him. He wants to change us, to transform us one day at a time, increasingly reflecting His likeness. Sanctification. In this realization, I’ve seen the ever-present ways that foolishness resides in my life. My eyes were opened to the specifics of my folly when I took a look at the book of Proverbs – pure, good, impartial, and sincere wisdom.
I seriously doubt that you would blatantly call yourself a fool, but I just want to invite you to take a look at these verses with me today. If your eyes are opened as mine were, turn from the foolishness and choose wisdom instead. For lack of better words, I’ll just say, “You know you’re a fool if…”
1. …you find pleasure in wickedness or wicked schemes. Proverbs 10:23 says that only a fool would find humor in his own wrong or sin. Sin is serious, and to view it with any less regard is foolish.
2. …you refuse counsel or advice and are consistently bent on doing things your own way and are easily irritated. Proverbs 12:15-16 calls this type of a person a fool. This one, perhaps more than the others, hit way too close to home for me. I don’t want to be foolish.
3. …you are reckless and careless, not only with yourself but with others. Proverbs 14:16 exposes this person for what he/she really is – a fool.
4. …you would rather air your own opinions than obtain understanding. Proverbs 18:2 says that the fool finds no delight in knowledge and understanding because they think they already have it all figured out.
5. …you regularly find yourself accepting every invitation to a fight. Proverbs 20:3 says that the fool will always be found quarreling.
6. …you consistently give in to your anger and your “need to vent.” Proverbs 29:11 says it is foolish to lack self-control in this area.
Although there are many more marks of a fool throughout Scripture, and in particular in the book of Proverbs, this was a more than sufficient mirror into my heart and soul, exposing my own foolish ways. I am praying for you today that God’s Word speaks, convicts, and changes you from the inside out. None of us want to be fools. Let’s allow truth to uproot the ugliness of sin in us. Let’s hold up the holy mirror of God’s Word and take a good, long, hard, and honest look. And let’s walk in wisdom from this day forward.
Robin Thieme says
Ooo.. there are 2 of these that speak to me. I love when God pushes me and gets me uncomfortable! Thank you for the time you give allowing God to use you in so many lives.
Debbie Bradshaw says
number 4 speaks volumes to me….thanks for sharing