The Fool

Day 53-54.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” (ESV Ps 53:1a)

The difference between a fool and a wise man is what he holds in his heart. A fool lives “as if” God is either not there or not as he is described in the Bible – as omnipotent (all-powerful) judge over all. A fool makes decisions assuming there will be no eternal consequences for them. He may avoid doing wrong in the eyes of the legal system or in the eyes of his friends or neighbors, for he fears the consequences, whether it be a fine (from the law) or the scorn of others. These things may refrain a fool from straying too far from what appears to be a righteous life. But what choices does he make when the law and his friends are not around, when no one is watching? Does he think “there is a God in heaven that sees all that I do?” Does this restrain his sin? Does he “fear” the Lord? We often forget that all of those hidden sins that we got away with are not forgotten in the heavenly court. We may have successfully avoided consequences in this age, but we cannot escape the consequences of them when the day of judgment comes.

A Christian can act the fool and often does, when he makes decisions that don’t take God into consideration. The difference is the Christian has a savior to take the consequences off his shoulders, and the Holy Spirit to grant him repentance – a turning away from the sins that once plagued him.

How long since you played the fool?

Day 53: Chronological Reading Plan plus Psalms: Lev 26-27, Ps 53
Day 54: Chronological Reading Plan plus Psalms: Num 1-2, Ps 54