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 stupid situations we get ourselves into—or the damage we create by our selfishness and the choices we make.

It was because of such regrets 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, he 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 wounds, one thing is clear—David recognised his own selfishness as their root cause.

The answer for such destructive selfishness is 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 selfish decisions that cause so much trouble. With His loving guidance, we can follow the pathway of godly wisdom.

Author

Bill Crowder

Topics

Our Daily Bread