Last week, I overheard a man spouting foolish talk. He was with a group of people who congregate at a local restaurant. It’s impossible not to hear the man because he speaks loudly and authoritatively, although, often without wisdom.
I tried to tune out his voice, but couldn’t help overhearing him announce, “We are just an accident, a conglomeration of cells that collided and replicated. Fortunately, accidents happen, and we are one of them.”
Someone at his table challenged him. The foolish man looked at him, and said, “You clearly are intelligent, but what you say is wrong.”
I left the restaurant. It was a already difficult day for me, Jim’s birthday, and I couldn’t take a dose of foolishness, too.
Leaning on Your Own Understanding
When I was growing up, my father never allowed me to refer to anyone as a fool, but this man, if not a fool, certainly is guilty of foolish talk.
Foolishness results from thinking we are capable of figuring out the mysteries of life on our own. Depending on yourself for decision-making is risky. God sees the complete picture, the panoramic view, while we see only snapshots. God’s understanding is far greater than ours.
Seeking God for Wisdom
Those who trust themselves for wisdom are spinning their wheels, incapable of any type of productive forward motion. God is the source of all wisdom. Without Him, we are navigating without a compass.
Earning academic degrees adds knowledge, but doesn’t ensure wisdom. Wisdom comes through life lessons learned and applied, and from seeking Divine counsel.
Thinking Too Highly of Yourself
I don’t know the foolish man’s background. Perhaps he was a scientist or a professor. Certainly, he’s very sure of himself and not open to opposing points of view.
Like this man, most of us could use a healthy dose of humility slathered on top of pride in our own opinions. When humility is absent, we begin to confuse opinion with fact and truth.
Believing We are God’s Creation
Contrary to the foolish man’s premise, none of us are here by accident. We are God’s creation, uniquely designed and gifted for his pleasure and purposes. God has plans for our lives. He wants us to experience joy, peace, and security in Him. He is the giver of wisdom and insight.
Praise God, we are much more than a fortunate accident.
“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking” (James 1:5 CEV).
“If anyone thinks he is important when he is nothing, he is fooling himself” (Galatians 6:3 NLV).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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