This Person Will Self-Destruct in Five, Four. . .

“A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD.”(Proverbs 19:3)

Have you ever tried to help someone who was obviously in need only to have them refuse your help? Then, you watched as they went their own way, only to crash and burn. A brother or sister, a best friend, even a child?

Look at the verse above. Scripture defines folly as foolishness or poor choices, especially when one knows better. Solomon says folly ruins one’s life. We’ve all seen it. A choice you knew was a bad one—but they chose it anyway. Choices to:

  • Disobey
  • Hurt someone
  • Take unnecessary risk

Solomon tells us this person’s heart rages against the LORD and His loving correction. Like my dog Zuno when his ears hurt. He snaps at me when I try to help. When he yields and lets me put medicine in his ears, he gets better.

Do you snap or submit?

Do you stop and listen to wise counsel? Or, when someone tries to head off a wrong choice, are you like Zuno who snarls and runs from the medicine? Learning to stop and count the cost takes practice. Keeping emotions and a strong will in check requires a partnership with God. Now is not too early to start.

Cultivate a responsive spirit instead of one that will self-destruct.

Questions:

How do you respond to correction? Be honest.

How can we test the counsel of others to see if it is wise and to see if it applies to us?(Not all counsel is good.)

What can help you submit rather than snap? (Phil. 4:4-9 How many ideas can you find in this passage?)

How can you cultivate a responsive spirit to God? (Colossians 3:23-24, Galatians 5:16-17,22-25)

How can you give good counsel and increase the chances of it being received? (Phil. 4:3-11)

2 Comments

  1. Jo on August 12, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    Hey Gayle, last night I just warned my older sister against gossiping about my dad in front my unbelieving sister and mom. I spoke the truth in love and am sad that she might continue to choose her own way. I’m heart broken. Please pray for me as I feel alone in our messy family when I’m supposed to have her as another believer in all this. Miss you guys!!! -Joanna:)

  2. Jo on August 12, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    Hey Gayle, last night I just warned my older sister against gossiping about my dad in front my unbelieving sister and mom. I spoke the truth in love and am sad that she might continue to choose her own way. I’m heart broken. Please pray for me as I feel alone in our messy family when I’m supposed to have her as another believer in all this. Miss you guys!!! -Joanna:)

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