Get Wisdom By Ceasing to Blame Others

Wisdom takes root in our lives the moment we stop blaming others for our problems and realize that we may be causing most of them. Consider the first three verses of Proverbs 14. 

Proverbs 14:1–3 (ESV) The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. 2 Whoever walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is devious in his ways despises him. 3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

Three proverbs show the harsh reality of those who live by foolishness. These are contrasted with the built up and preserved life of the wise. They highlight the very true reality that our messes in life come from our own foolishness. If only we were told to take accountability more often rather than to find blame in someone else. Perhaps we'd finally change for the better.  

If you think about it, we are inundated with the spirit of blame. Politicians make a living off getting you to blame others for your problems. Our society seeks to blame systems or inequalities for some people's mistakes and failures. The result is a culture of victimization. A culture full of people who believe THEY are right and everyone around them is wrong. 

The wise do not live like this. The wise seek to take ownership of their reality by taking ownership of their actions. They build and don't tear down. They fear the Lord and do not cheat. They speak with discretion and not brash arrogance. 

Further, we take ownership of our lives when we are willing to make the necessary investments to change. That brings us to the next verse:
Proverbs 14:4 (ESV) Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

This interesting proverb speaks to the need for dealing with some mess to get a nice return in life. A victimized life seeks no effort in such investment for the key to victimization is moral high ground. If I'm right and everyone around me is wrong, what do I need to do? Nothing. And because that is the attitude, nothing every changes and more blame is cast about. 

Proverbs 14:8 (ESV) The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.
Proverbs 14:15 (ESV) The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

Again the chapter points us toward our own living and choosing. It is wise to take ownership of your life. It leads to prosperity and strength. Those who traffic in blaming others target the simple who believe them. 

What's the answer? Fear of the Lord. The chapter circles back to that very topic with two consecutive verses:
Proverbs 14:26–27 (ESV) In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

These messages of playing the perpetual victim will hurt you and those who come after you. Fear God by listening to His voice over this worldly system which makes you the center of the story. Fear God by repenting of YOUR sin and confessing YOUR acts of wickedness. For there you will find forgiveness, not wrath, transformation not trouble and a new heart.

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