Foolishness of a Man

“The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:3)

Augustine gives a good sense of the verse in his book, “A Treatise on Grace and Free Will” when he writes, “The foolishness of man perverted his ways, yet he blames God in his heart.”

Anything foolish, of course is not of God and certainly can “pervert” our thought, beliefs and doings. Not taking responsibility for your actions is a true sign of selfishness. Being mad at someone for not being to have your way is a true sign of immaturity. Both selfishness and immaturity are rooted in pride.

Pride is a spiritual problem. “Heart” in this verse from Proverbs is a reference to the inner man, the soul, the seat of man’s will. Anger towards God from here is none other than rebellion. This is the devil trying to butt heads with the Lord. This is a short journey to self-destruction.

Foolishness and anger are a choice of will. Our prayers are a choice of our will. So let’s pray that the cause of an ill will can come under the influence of the Holy Spirit and repent. Their hope may just start with our prayers.

Bill Hitchcock