Albert
Einstein was heard to say, “Only two things are infinite, the universe and
human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.” Sadly, it does seem that
far too often there is no limit to the foolishness we get ourselves into—or the
damage we create by our foolishness and the choices it fosters.
It
was in such a season of regret that David poured out his struggle and complaint
to God in Psalm 38. As he recounted his own failings, as well as the painful
consequences he was enduring because of those failings, the shepherd-king made
an insightful comment: “My wounds are foul and festering because of my
foolishness” (v.5). Although the psalmist does not give us the details of those
choices or of his worsening wounds, one thing is clear—David recognized his own
foolishness as their root cause.
The
answer for such destructive foolishness is to embrace the wisdom of God.
Proverbs 9:10 reminds us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and
the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Only by allowing God to
transform us can we overcome the foolish decisions that cause so much trouble.
With His loving guidance, we can follow the pathway of godly wisdom.
God’s wisdom is given to those who
humbly ask Him for it. (RBC)