What Keeps Me From My Own Recklessness

There's a problem in your life for sure. That problem is you. 

Hard to hear in our seeking-to-feel-good culture, but healing. 

Proverbs 29:1 (ESV) He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

Wise living comes from more than just hearing it. You have to receive it. And sometimes we don't receive wisdom because we don't have the ability or willingness to let ourselves be challenged in what we assume is right. 

This is the person described in Proverbs 29:1 along with other passages from the chapter. The image of a person not willing to receive correction. This is the person who is so utterly convinced they are right there is no changing them. And this person is their own worst enemy. Because disaster comes eventually and if we don't turn and change, it will come for us. 

There are three proverbs that describe the person who cannot receive instruction in the chapter:

Proverbs 29:9 (ESV) If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

The idea here is there is some kind of conflict and you can find the fool in the brash volume of his responses. 

Proverbs 29:11 (ESV) A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Verse 11 of the chapter illustrates the unteachable man. His spirit is certain and his life is unrestrained as a result. 

Proverbs 29:20 (ESV) Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Not only is the fool loud, but he is also quick to speak. 

The only answer to such a dangerous life is to receive the Word of God. 

Proverbs 29:18 (ESV) Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.

The prophetic vision that God offers is the divine guidance of His Word. So many Pastors preach this one proverb to support their own ambitions for church growth. This is not what the proverbs speaks of. Consider the New Living Translation of this verse:

Proverbs 29:18 (NLT) When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

The prophetic vision is God's wisdom revealed in the pages of scripture. When we lack this in our lives, it allows our flesh to lead us into reckless ruin. 

In the end, then, the Word of God is that sword that can pierce even the foolish and rebellious heart. So some practical advice before you let your own spirit destroy you. 

Even when you don't feel like it, get into God's Word. 

Even when you don't live it, get into God's Word. 

Even when you fail, get into God's Word. 

It's the corrective, healing agent that can undo the recklessness inside of you, the foolishness inherent in you, and the sin that so easily entangles you. 

Hebrews 4:12–13 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.