You’re Fooling Yourself

To answer before listening is foolish and shameful. Proverbs 18:13 NIRV

Fools delight in their own opinions and do not heed the advice of others. Fools are stubborn and set in their ways. They don’t listen to reason, nor do they accept correction. They’re happy to live in their (own) little world—a place where they rule and make the rules, and everyone else is wrong.

These people are not open to what’s right or fair. Fools never come to their senses about anything. They don’t learn from experience. They are cowards, shrinking from confrontation because it exposes the smallness of their hearts. Fools often make poor, impulsive decisions fueled by faulty logic and distorted information. Fools usually have the loudest and most critical voice—throwing stones even though they sin like there’s no tomorrow.

In today’s fast-paced world, it seems (as if) the only thing that matters is being first, loud and uncaring.

But as we aim to be more Christlike, can we be more thoughtful and empathetic, granting each other the sort of grace and tolerance we want for ourselves and our loved ones?

Can we take off our Halloween costumes and put on the armor of God? Can we leave yesterday’s Fool in the past and introduce our imperfect yet forgiven selves to the world?

Proverbs 18:13 was written for me. I’ve been a fool, bringing shame to myself and being too self-absorbed to care enough to ask for forgiveness. And those aren’t proud moments. Those aren’t the stories I want to share with my kids. They are, however, the stories I need to share—instances of foolishness I pray my children will learn from and avoid.

And as I type these last few sentences, I hope I’ve stirred up a little self-reflection and that you allow God to open your heart to His will and His wisdom.

Otherwise, you’re just fooling yourself.

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