Making a foolish decision is something we have all done. Some of us are still reaping the fruit or consequences of a foolish decision, and some of us will probably still make more foolish decisions in the future. Pastor Andy Stanley says that “People without clear vision are easily distracted, have a tendency to drift from one idea to another and often make foolish decisions that rob them of their dreams.” I partly agree with the portion that says people without clear vision are easily distracted, but I also somewhat disagree because I know some very focused individuals who have made foolish decisions.

I am not sure if Pastor Stanley based his quote on what King Solomon said in the book of Proverbs, chapter 5, verse 23, but what he said mirrors the verse. “Death is the reward of an undisciplined life; your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end.” (MSG) Those are strong words. The verse was written as advice and as a warning. It tells us that the reward for an undisciplined life leads to death. I don’t believe that Solomon was speaking of physical death since we are all going to die. He may have been alluding to the death of your potential, what you were created or destined to become.

How many of you remember the story of Len Bias? He was a first-team All-American college basketball forward at the University of Maryland. He was selected by the Boston Celtics as the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft on June 17 and died two days later from cardiac arrhythmia induced by a cocaine overdose. He is considered by some sportswriters to be the greatest player not to play at the professional level. Many athletes who were destined to be great failed to be great because of a lack of discipline. Len lacked discipline in an area of his life, and he died never fulfilling his destiny.

Another warning the verse gives us is on making foolish decisions. “Your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end.” So the key to not making foolish decisions is to not make them! Yes, it’s as simple as that. I have learned to never, never make a decision when I am angry, or when the decision is driven by my lust or flesh. I have also learned that you should never make a hasty decision; always take your time making decisions, especially those decisions that affect others in your life. One final thought about making decisions. You don’t have to do it by yourself. Seek the council of wise people or those who have experienced what you are facing.

You may have made a wrong decision, and you are living with the consequences of that decision. Learn to live with the consequences; however, don’t allow the consequences to deter you from your destiny. Press forward and learn from the mistakes you made.

Be Blessed

Bishop Jemmott