Tag: foolishness

Foolishness

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Proverbs 19:3 The foolishness of man perverted his way: and his heart fretted against the LORD. 

Here, the proverb reveals a deep truth about human nature: people often ruin their own lives through foolish choices and then blame God for the consequences. The fool, through pride, rebellion, or ignorance, “perverts his way” – he twists the path that was meant to lead to righteousness.

Yet, when hardship comes, “his heart frets against the Lord” – he becomes angry with God, resentful, or questioning of His justice, as though divine fault is to blame for self-inflicted wounds.

Scripture provides us with five clear examples of people who fretted against God: Adam, who blamed Eve (and indirectly God) for his sin (Gen. 3:12); Cain, who became angry and despondent after his offering was rejected (Gen. 4:13-14); and Jehoram, who blamed God when he saw no hope (2Kin. 3:10-13; 6:33). Jonah, who grew angry when God showed mercy (Jonah 4:1-9). Israel, who repeatedly murmured against the Lord in the wilderness (Num. 14:2-3; 20:2-5; 21:4-6).

This verse warns us: Don’t blame God for the consequences of your own folly. Instead, examine your ways, seek wisdom, and humbly return to the path He has laid out for you.

Proverbs 19:1-3 presents a progression of spiritual wisdom: integrity is more valuable than riches (v. 1). Knowledge and patience prevent sin (v. 2). Fools distort their lives and blame God (v. 3).

These verses teach us to value character over wealth, to seek wisdom before acting, and to own our choices rather than blaming the Lord. Above all, they point us back to humility, discernment, and trust in God’s righteous ways.

The Wise

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 3:18-23 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And you are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s. 

‘If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.’ This perhaps refers to some man in the congregation who wished to have pre-eminence.

‘He takes the wise in their own craftiness’ – Quoted from Job 5:13. The wisdom of the world is a craft, or subtle trade, which people carry on with others to benefit themselves.

‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.’ Quoted from Psalm 94:11. The wise of the world is always full of schemes and plans for earthly gain, all of which are empty and vain.

Eight characteristics of false wisdom: Bitter envying and strife in the heart (Jas. 3:14, 16). Glory in profession (Jas. 3:14). Earthly, having this life only in view and sensual, living only to satisfy the animal appetites. Devilish, inspired by demons (Jas. 3:15). Confusion and every evil work (Jas. 3:16).

‘Let no man glory in men’ – let no Christian join any human party or take up the cause of any man who divides the body of Christ (Rom. 16:17). Be alert for those who cause divisions and have no religious fellowship with them that the flock may be protected (Php. 3:17).

‘All are yours’ – the idea is that God will cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him, whether they be the world system, life or death, providence now and hereafter, or any other things (Rom. 8:28). While all things are working, God’s providence is working on behalf of those who love God and who walk obediently according to His purpose.