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Ron Writes

One memorable line from Forest Gump is when Lt. Dan tells the new arrivals to Viet Nam that he has two standing orders. “One, take good care of your feet, and two, try not to do anything stupid (like getting yourself killed).” John Wayne is credited with saying “Life is hard, it’s even harder if you’re stupid.” I found myself yelling to Kyle as he walked out the door to go camping, “don’t do anything stupid.”

Folly and foolish are words the Bible uses for stupid. We’ve all done foolish things. What were we thinking? Or, were we thinking? Fortunately, most of us have gotten away with just some embarrassment rather than injury or death. At the same time, it’s just not that unusual to hear of someone doing something stupid that has resulted in either injury or death. The Bible reminds us that “at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another” (Tit. 3:3).

God gives us many cautions and warnings. Pay attention! “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet 5:8). Being sober has to do with more than just alcohol, other translations say “stay alert!” “be serious” “be watchful” “keep your mind clear.” One stupid mistake and there’s a lion out there ready to devour you! So the Bible warns us “be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise” (Eph. 5:15).

YouTube is filled with videos of folks doing some stupid things. Are they crazy or what? Solomon says “it’s useless to spread a net where a bird can see it” (Prov. 1:17). Even a bird is smart enough to avoid clear danger. Yet, the foolish and naïve rush headlong with no apparent forethought or caution. It’s sad to think back on Christians who ended up doing some stupid things and messing up their lives. How shall the young secure their hearts? By living according to God’s word (Ps. 119:9). Pay attention. Heed the warnings.

“Don’t do anything stupid!”