Shunning Responsibility
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.” Proverbs 19:3 NLT
Wise living is a choice. We can learn from our own experiences and the experiences of others, but it doesn’t mean that “things” always work out. There are mistakes, there are regrets at times and it is important to recognize that, learn and move on.
Learning from experiences, good and bad, is a key to success. I recall a business man sharing about his efforts to find funders for his business concept. With each failed proposal, he and a partner asked themselves, what did we learn, what do we need to do different? After going through that process about three or four times, they learned and refined their business plan until they were successful in finding someone who helped provide the funds for their start up business.
Proverbs 19:25 (NLT) says, “…the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.” However, there are those who always view themselves as victims and want to shift the blame to others or make excuses for failure or a lack of desired results.
When the “way of wisdom” is ignored and we operate according to our own wisdom (e.g. foolishness) things don’t go well. Solomon says the most egregious response is to blame God for what is our own fault. I recall the “poetic wisdom” of a sports coach who reminded me, “if you are looking for an excuse, you can always find one.” We could say, “if you are looking for some one to blame, you can always find some one.”
Proverbs gives some “advice” on how to be wise and successful in our endeavors. We are to give thoughtful consideration to decisions that we make and take the needed time. “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;
haste makes mistakes.” (Proverbs 19:2 NLT)
Success comes when we seek counsel and learn from others. “To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.” (Proverbs 19:8 NLT) A friend of mine recently wrote in his blog about the value of seeking time with successful people and learning as much as possible from them.
We can shun responsibility and blame God or others when things don’t go well; or we can seek wisdom and apply “God’s principles” for successful living.
Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the wisdom that You provide through Your Word and presence in our lives. Help us to be people of wisdom and understanding and to trust You, not blame You when life is difficult.