Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
-1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Forget What You Know

When we think we have things figured out, the best thing to do is: start over, become a fool, and ask God for understanding. True wisdom can’t be anything that comes from us, or that we’ve just figured out, but wisdom can only come from God.

Learn it the Right Way

Start over. Root out what the world has ingrained into your mind and begin seeking God for wisdom rather than other sources. Answers aren’t found in a library, they’re found in the word of God (which you may find in a library, but you get the point), so start there.

Annihilate your Second Nature

The world tells us that faith is foolishness and that we need to seek answers rather than put our trust in God whom we cannot see. This is the exact foolishness we need to find answers, so we must destroy the natural tendencies to seek answers we can comprehend and find answers we cannot.

You can’t fool God with worldly wisdom, so become a fool for God. That’s what He wants.

Just another fool,
Tom Fogarty

I passed by the field of a sluggard,
by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:30-34 (ESV)

Reading this passage, I wondered how often I really tried learn from the mistakes of others… Not only should I learn from them by observing the condition the mistake has caused the person, but perhaps listen to the instruction of the person who has been through it. I’ve been kind of bad at this in the past. For instance: people saying, “You don’t want to end up in my situation!” to which I’ve replied, “That won’t happen to me, I’ll be smarter!” Only to find that I fall into the same pits as the person who warned me, in the end hearing a resounding “I told you so!” (whether it’s verbal or not, it’s there!)

If you see yourself getting in too deep, get out, ASAP!

Seriously, whatever it is… cut up the credit cards, cut the cord to the internet, unplug the TV – whatever it takes for your situation, do something! Ultimately go to God first, but tell someone about it who can help you if that’s what it takes.

Listen to advice and accept instruction,
that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 19:20 (ESV)