Why We Hurt Ourselves and How God’s Wisdom Offers a Better Way
Introduction: The Universal Struggle with Folly
Let’s be honest—we’ve all made choices we regret. Sometimes, we look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?” The Bible calls these moments “folly,” and it’s a struggle that’s as old as humanity itself. The Book of Proverbs, along with other parts of Scripture, gives us plain talk about why we keep stumbling over the same mistakes, and what happens when we turn away from God’s wisdom. If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your own decisions or wondered why things keep going wrong, you’re not alone. This post explores what the Bible says about the folly of man in a way that’s down-to-earth, relatable, and—hopefully—encouraging.
Scriptural Foundations: Key Verses in Plain Language
· Proverbs 19:3: “A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.”
· Psalm 14:1: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”
· Proverbs 14:29: “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
· Proverbs 29:11: “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
· Proverbs 15:21: “Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.”
· Mark 7:22: Jesus lists “envy, slander, arrogance and folly” as things that come from within and defile us.
· 1 Corinthians 1:25: “The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
Self-Inflicted Ruin: When We Trip Over Our Own Feet
Proverbs 19:3 hits hard: it says we often dig our own holes and then get mad at God for the mess. How many times have we made a poor choice, ignored good advice, or acted out of pride, only to blame God when things fall apart? The Bible is clear—much of the trouble we face is self-inflicted. We’re quick to point fingers upward, but Scripture gently reminds us to look in the mirror first.
Denial of God: The Root of All Folly
Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” When we act like God doesn’t exist, or that His ways don’t matter, we’re cutting ourselves off from the very source of wisdom, love, and purpose. This denial is at the core of folly, and it leads to a life that’s aimless and often painful. Ignoring God’s reality doesn’t change the truth—it just blinds us to it.
Pride and Hasty Temper: Fuel for Foolishness
Proverbs has a lot to say about anger and pride. Proverbs 14:29 and 29:11 tell us that quick tempers and lashing out are signs of foolishness. Pride makes us think we’re always right, and anger can make us say or do things we’ll regret. Together, they’re a recipe for broken relationships and missed opportunities. Humility and patience, on the other hand, keep us out of trouble and help us grow.
Ignoring Wisdom: The Dangerous Joy of Folly
Have you ever done something reckless just “for fun,” even though you knew better? Proverbs 15:21 points out that some people find joy in foolishness, but those with understanding stay on the right path. The thrill of ignoring wise advice might feel good for a moment, but it rarely ends well. True happiness comes from walking the path of understanding, even if it’s not always the easiest road.
Misusing Intelligence: When Smart Isn’t Wise
Jesus, in Mark 7:22, warns that things like envy and arrogance come from within. Being smart or clever isn’t the same as being wise. Some of the sharpest minds have used their gifts to deceive, mock, or hurt others. When we use our God-given intelligence for selfish ends, we’re not just outsmarting others—we’re hurting ourselves and turning away from the wisdom God wants to give us.
The Contrast with God’s Wisdom: Human Ideas vs. Divine Truth
1 Corinthians 1:25 lays it out: “The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.” In other words, even what seems silly or weak about God is far above the best we can come up with. Our clever plans and philosophies often miss the mark, but God’s way, though it might look upside-down to us, leads to life and peace. There’s a big difference between being smart in the world’s eyes and being wise in God’s.
Practical Reflections: Why Seeking Wisdom Matters
Think about a time when you ignored good advice, acted out of anger, or refused to admit you were wrong. What happened? Did things get better or worse? Most of us know the answer. Folly leaves scars—on our hearts, our families, and our communities. But the good news is that we don’t have to stay stuck. God invites us to turn from our ways and seek His wisdom, which is offered freely to those who ask.
Seeking wisdom means listening more and talking less, admitting when we’re wrong, and asking God for help when we’re not sure what to do. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Conclusion: Encouragement to Pursue True Wisdom and Humility
The folly of man is nothing new, and none of us are immune. We all trip up, let pride get in the way, or lose our temper. But Scripture encourages us: there’s a better way. By admitting our need for God, seeking His wisdom, and practicing humility, we can avoid many of the pitfalls that come from folly. In the end, pursuing true wisdom isn’t just about being smart—it’s about living well, loving others, and finding the peace that comes from walking with God. Let’s choose wisdom today.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 