|
|
Foolish Things People Do Proverbs 14.1 Introduction: Today is the 1st of April and is known as "April Fools Day." The origin of "April Fools Day" goes back to France. In 1582 Pope Gregory ordered a new calendar, call the Gregorian calendar. It changed the 1st day of the year from April 1st to January 1st. Some either refused to accept the new dating or did not know. They still thought April 1st was the 1st day of the day. They were called "April Fools." The custom caught on in other countries. Generally it is a day of playing pranks, usually good nature fun. Sometimes it can be cruel, have serious consequences such as hurt feelings. Remember the famous radio program "War of the Worlds" people actually thought earth was being invaded by aliens from outer space. I) The seriousness of being foolish A) Defining foolishness 1. Gullible—believe anything people tell you 2. Naive –not experienced 3. Not bright in the noggin, a simpleton B) Can have dire consequences; see this with people getting hurt or hurting others. II) Foolish People Do Not recognize the existence of God, Psalm. 14.1 A) The atheist argues that believing in God is illogical. 1. In order to affirm God does not exist one must first of all reject the evidence of a designer in the creation of the Universe. Romans 1.20 2. They must also claim to know everything since not knowing one thing may be what proves God exists. Hebrews 3.4; 11.3 B). The person that does not recognize the existence of God’s law; a lot of people are what I call practical atheist. They claim to believe in God but do not read the Bible. C) The wise person believes not only in a living God but also believes God. 1. Reads the Bible 2. Does what the Bible says because God commands it. III) Foolish People Do Not Listen To Others, Proverbs 12.15 A) Usually because they do not what to hear they may be wrong, Proverbs 18.2 1. Example of Rehoboam in the Old Testament. He received wise instruction from the older men but refused to do what they said. 2. Think about the instruction gives in Titus 2. Older women are to instruct the younger women. For this to work the younger women must be willing to listen. 3. One thing you can not do is make somebody listen to wisdom. Proverbs 1.7b B) A wise person is willing to listen and if needed change their mind 1. There was a time when the police pulled over a car that was driving erratically. It turned out the couple in the car was one their way to a place about 100 miles from their home. They had been on the road over a day. The problem was the driver refused to pull over and ask for directions. 2. There are times we need to ask for directions, Jeremiah 10.23. IV) Foolish People Lack Self Discipline A) A lack of self control is seen in many areas, Proverbs 14.16-17 1. Not every one has the same temperament but we all have to control the temper we have. 2. Other areas; anger Paul say to be angry and sin not, Ephesians 4.26; laziness is a sign of being undisciplined B) A wise person first learns to control themselves, 1 Corinthians 9.27 V) Foolish People Reject Their Father’s Instruction, Proverbs 15.5 A) See rebellious children that talk back to their parents, do not pay attention. 1. Partly the parents fault for not disciplining their children at the proper time 2. Partly the child’s fault for not listening (again you can not make someone listen, especially as they enter the teenage years and on). Proverbs 17.25 B) A wise person accepts their parents instruction. VI) Foolish People Do Not Learn From Their Mistakes A) They just keep on making them, Proverbs 26.11 1. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. 2. We can not blame people for making mistakes but we can blame them if they keep on doing the same thing. a. Law of cause and effect works in the physical and spiritual world. b. Be sure your sins will find you out, Numbers 32.23 c. Drug addicts that hang around with the same friends, alcoholics that keep on gong back to the beer joint; gamblers that keep on wagering their checks, etc. B) Wise people learn to change their behavior VII) Foolish People Do Not Watch What They Say A) Warnings about the tongue tend to go unnoticed, Ecc. 10.12; Proverbs 15.2 1. Jesus warns us of "idle words", Matthew 21.33-37 2. Profanity, using the name of God in vain, slander, gossip, lying, etc. B) The wise do not say everything they know, Proverbs 17.28 VIII) The Foolish Do Not Prepare For Eternity, Luke 12.20 A) Why is that foolish? 1. We know we are going to die 2. We know we are going to be judged 3. We know what is at stake 4. Only a fool, or a person that is ignorant, or an evil person will go to their grave unprepared. B) A wise person is prepared all the time Conclusion: Which are you? Prov 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools. D.T. @ Westside Church of Christ 04.01.07 |