WARNING AGAINST FOOLISHNESS

Psalm 107:17-22 says, "Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy." The fools described in the verses above know the right things to do, but they do not do them. Instead, they do the wrong things. As a result, they suffer the consequences. A good example of this is King David. King David knew that it was a sin to sleep with Bathsheba, for she was not his wife, but someone else, but he ignored the right thing to do. Instead, he used his power and influence as the king of Israel to get Batsheba and sleep with her. As a result, it led him to kill Bathsheba's husband to have her. God then judged him severely and faced the consequences. Eventually, God forgave him because he humbled himself before God and asked for forgiveness. 

How often have we acted foolishly, knowing it was wrong? And the foolish things that we have done got us in big trouble. There are consequences of the things that we have done foolishly in the past that can still affect us to this day. We wish that we had never said or done them. We may not be able to escape the consequences of the foolish things that we have done, but God can forgive all our foolishness, so let us praise and thank God for His lovingkindness and mercy. Let us think carefully and prayerfully when we confront temptations that lead us to do what is wrong. Let us not give in to doing wrong things to get what we want because in the end, we will pay the consequences that we may regret for the rest of our lives. God is encouraging us to do the right thing even when it is not attractive. God does not want us to be foolish, but we wise. But we need to remember that there is always forgiveness and restoration in God when we fail to do the right things. Our God is faithful, and His love for us endures forever. 

Engaging in actions we know are wrong leads to regret and shame, and ultimately, it can result in death and destruction. Let us think and seriously pray when we are tempted to do foolish things that can destroy our relationship with God, others, and our lives, so that we don't ruin ourselves. Let us remember this important lesson in the coming new year.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why is it important for me not to give in to actions that I know are wrong? How does God want me to live my life? What should I do when I fail to do things I know are wrong? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding me this morning to avoid foolish actions. Please help me to do the right things and not give in to the temptations that lead me to do bad actions. Please forgive me if I have done foolish things. Please restore me and help me to be wise. Please give me the courage to live according to your ways that I may have inner peace, joy, and be full of hope, especially this coming new year. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.