Not Thinking Almost Always Leads to Regret

Proverbs 27:12 (MSG) Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later.

When we surround ourselves with good-willed people “friends”, they usually contribute to us being ‘sensible’ – however, it’s the “wolf in sheep’s clothing” (our enemy) who makes us foolish and unthinking.

When I go somewhere with a friend that I have no business going, this is NOT sensible, wise, mature or adult of me! Using the excise that it is “retail therapy” is a BIG FAT LIE! It is actually feeding into my being selfish, and helps me stay in denial.

Example: A friend I ALWAYS get into trouble with, Suzie, calls me up on my day off. I only have this day to catch up on my chores and plan for the week ahead. She invites me to “do something fun – shopping” unlike the work I need to stay home and focus on. I’m tempted, but tell her, no – I don’t have the money to go shopping, and really need to stay home. She agrees and we hang up. Shortly after, she arrives at my door, exclaiming, that I “need retail therapy” to help me get out of my funk. I start to refuse, and she barges in. Looking around, she says she will help me get my work done. A few minutes later, she brings up shopping again, and the “new” things at the mall. Again, I say I need to stay home and finish, plus I don’t have the funds right now. She promises to help me “as soon as we get back, no matter how long it takes.” Next thing you know, we are in her car headed to the mall. She puts her arm around me as we skip into the mall laughing all the way. Before you know it, not only have I wasted many hours of my day, but I have also spent money I shouldn’t have! Not one bit of remorse comes from her (like the enemy in verse 6 “when the enemy puts their arm around your shoulder, watch out!”)! As a matter of fact, when “she” is ready to leave, we quickly leave the mall, and she drops me off and does NOT come back in to hold up her promise. By the time I walk in the door, I regret the whole day!

It is SO easy to get caught up in foolish behavior, and fall prey to friends that really are not our “friends” after all. The only way to combat this, is to learn to have boundaries. Stick to them, and love and respect yourself to uphold them. If they are a “true friend” they will respect you and your words. It is NOT easy, I totally understand! However, it is the good, wise, and right thing to do – stand up for yourself!

The Lord doesn’t want us held captive to people or sin or debt. He came to give us freedom, and break the chains of bondage we find ourselves in. Surround yourself with people that you “want to be like” and spend less time with those you “don’t want to be like” – you will start to become that which you focus on. Don't wear a blindfold when it comes to people that say they are your friend, and only lead you down wrong paths.

I’m praying for you today. Praying for you to sit down and ask the Lord to show you any ways that you may be causing Him grief, things that you are making unwise choices over. I pray then, that you are brave and ask Him to guide and direct you to the healthy and wise things to do – and then – that you WILL be able to do them! I pray that you will remove any blindfolds you are wearing, and see clearly. Be well, be safe, and be blessed!