In the last blog we looked at the contrast between being naïve and wise. Most of think we are not naïve, but when we are bad things can happen. We all can be wiser in our decision making by knowing what God says about being naïve.
First, the naive hang around people just like them.
Describing the naïve the proverbs say, “Let all who are naïve come in here! she says to those who lack judgment.”Prov.9:15
Think of the thousand women that former NBA player Wilt Chamberlin claimed he had sex with during his playing days. Who were these women? When interviewed they said that they hung around each other at the numerous venues waiting for Wilt. The naive not only cannot see the train wreck coming they also use each other. Our utilitarian culture screams out with “why not the join the crowd?”
Secondly, the naive have a hard time recognizing evil.
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Prov.22:3
Evil people’s lives are rarely apparent on the surface and appear quite ordinary to the superficial observer. On the surface many of the maniacal war criminals from Edi Amin, Mussolini and Hitler were thought of as men of the people. The masses were easily seduced to not only tolerate evil, but even cooperate with it.
The simple are easily swayed to believe almost anything or anyone. The naive have a tendency to look the other way and pretend they’re good, but it comes back to haunt them.
The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Prov. 14:18
In the end of the day the simple will be filled with the fruit of their ways. Prov. 1:31-32
While it’s true that our upbringing, inherited tendencies, personalities and consequences influence our decision making, it is only God’s wisdom that can truly free us from our naïve leanings.
Is there hope for the naïve?
Yes, the psalmist wrote, “The LORD protects the simple-hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.” Psalm 116:6 Thank God His grace intimately knows us, guards us and at times even saves us from our ways. In His mercy God instituted special atoning sacrifices for presumptuous and unintentional sins (Exek.45:20; Num.15:27-28).God has special grace toward those who do not have the ability to adequately discern the deeper decisions of life. I thank God He was gracious towards me while I made many poor choices in my earlier days.
The good news is that change is possible for the naïve, but it requires adversity. Prov. 19:25; 21:11
It is preferable to change our ways by seeing others’ punishment for their naïve decisions, but that is not usually the case. Too often the naïve require something that rocks their world that brings them to true change. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalms 119:71
God uses His Word to bring about change.
Ultimately, God directly speaks to the naïve in order to bring about change. Listen to Him speak.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Ps.19:7; 119:130
God uses people to bring about change.
Sometimes those people can be a family member, a friend, co-worker or even a stranger. Whoever it may be they can be a messenger sent directly from God if we accept it. Their words may be hard to hear, but exactly what we need in order for us to grow in everyday wisdom.
In our search for everything wisdom we need to identify the naïve places of our lives and allow God’s wisdom to change our hearts.
The beginning of knowledge is the fear of the Lord, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Prov.1:7
Mark
mark@startingoverworkshops.com
