The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving” (Proverbs 14:8)
The Call to Discernment
“The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving” (Proverbs 14:8). As Christians, we are called to wisdom and discernment, especially in today’s world where deception abounds. We live in perilous times, as warned in 2 Timothy 3:1-13. Many have opened their hearts to a spirit of deception, often unknowingly. This has profound implications for the Church. It also affects society at large.
James 1:19-22 provides a roadmap for spiritual integrity: “Everyone must be quick to hear. Be slow to speak and slow to anger. A man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. Therefore, rid yourselves of all filthiness. Remove all that remains of wickedness. In humility, receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.” This scripture reminds us that true wisdom comes not just from hearing. It comes from doing the Word of God. This guards against self-deception.
The Nature of Deception in Modern Times
Blaise Pascal once said, “Truth is so obscure in these times. Falsehood is so established that, unless we love the truth, we can’t know it.” This observation resonates profoundly in an age dominated by misinformation and disinformation. According to the American Psychological Association, “misinformation is false or inaccurate information — getting the facts wrong. Disinformation is false information deliberately intended to mislead.” Both forms of falsehood hinder progress, whether in public health, democratic stability, or environmental advocacy.
The strategic proliferation of misinformation can even deceive the “very chosen.” It is not merely an accidental miscommunication; it is a calculated effort to mislead. As Christians, we must remain vigilant. We need to be grounded in truth. Otherwise, we risk losing our spiritual footing midst the flood of deceptive narratives.
Paul’s Warning for the Last Days
Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 offer a sobering warning about the character of the last days. People will be selfish. They will be greedy, boastful, and conceited. They will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious. They will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce. They will hate the good. They will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride. They will love pleasure rather than God. They will hold to the outward form of religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people.”
These traits are not mere descriptions of the secular world but warnings to the Church itself. The purity of the Church must be preserved, and this requires proactive measures to discern and combat deception. We must not be swayed by appearances or empty religiosity. Instead, we should anchor ourselves in the life-changing power of God’s truth.
The Folly of Self-Reliance
Jeremiah 17:5-6 poignantly declares, “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans. They rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future.” Self-reliance, when it replaces reliance on God, is a form of folly. Webster’s Dictionary defines folly as a lack of prudence. It also describes it as criminally foolish actions or misguided ideas.
The prophet Jeremiah emphasizes that the human heart is “the most deceitful of all things” (Jer. 17:9). To avoid falling victim to this deceit, we must examine our motives and actions through God’s lens, for He alone searches the heart and gives just rewards (Jer. 17:10). Trusting in human strength to solve divine problems is a dangerous path that leads to spiritual barrenness.
Lessons from History and Current Times
Historical and contemporary examples provide further insight into the dangers of deception. Blaise Pascal noted, “Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.” This sobering reality is mirrored in political and societal chaos. Conspiracy theories, the rise of Christian nationalism, and events like the January 6 insurrection provide evidence of this chaos.
Even in the political sphere, George Washington’s farewell address serves as a timeless warning. He cautioned against factions that obstruct governance and undermine constitutional principles. Today, we see how political divisions and misinformation have eroded national unity. Both left and right factions have failed to uphold their oaths to defend democracy.
Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” As Christians, we must advocate for leaders and policies that reflect justice, integrity, and unity. We should not place our ultimate trust in human institutions.
Anchoring Ourselves in Truth
In these chaotic times, the Word of God is our anchor. Proverbs 15:21 declares, “Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom. A man of understanding keeps his way straight.” To navigate these turbulent waters, we must be steadfast in prayer and Scripture. We also need a community of faith that prioritizes truth over convenience.
What unfolds in our nation today may very well lead to another great awakening. We combat deception and seek God’s wisdom. We should remember the words of Jesus. He said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). May we strive to be agents of truth, love, and righteousness in a world desperate for clarity and hope.
Conclusion
Recognizing and combating deception requires spiritual vigilance, reliance on God’s Word, and an unwavering commitment to discernment. In a world awash with misinformation, let us ground ourselves in divine wisdom. We must become doers of the Word and defenders of truth. In doing so, we safeguard our own souls. We also contribute to the awakening of a nation and a Church firmly rooted in God’s eternal truth.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 