The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
1Co 2:14 (ESV)
I'm guilty of sometimes (often?) going round and round and round in an argument I cannot win. I still am infected with the idea that if I can find the correct words to say I can convince others of the truth, and can save them from their foolishness and their ultimate self-destruction. My husband chides me about it. He often says to me "A stupid person doesn't know he is stupid". He's great about coming up with such witticisms. He's right you know. How often have I done really foolish things without realizing just how foolish it is? I don't want to answer that question on the grounds it will definitely incriminate me. And then I find a wonderful quote like the one above (which reminds me of the P.T. Barnum quote: "There's a sucker born every minute")...and realize just how easily people will believe a lie, any lie, over the truth.
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.
Psalm 14:1 (ESV)
and
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:12 (ESV)
Ok, that one pinches a little...
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Proverbs 29:12 (ESV)
OUCH!
Thankfully the Lord is patient, and LONGsuffering, and my trust is in Him to teach me His ways. Woe is me if I trust only in my own wisdom to carry me through. I have had much experience in viewing my life in hindsight and in that rearview mirror I can see that the Lord has been patient and gracious with me for a very long time.... even when I was VERY foolish.
I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
Psalm 146:2 (ESV)
Amen, thanks be to God who is merciful and forgiving forever!
