Proverbs 1:20-22 says, "Wisdom calls aloud..How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?"
Sin is foolishness in action. It goes against wisdom. It goes against common sense (which tragically is not as common as we wish it was). The word “simple” is a nice word we find in the King James translation of the Bible. But I’m not sure how well that word communicates to our modern culture the very important point being made. In truth, Proverbs 1:22 is essentially saying, “Hey stupid! How long are you going to stay stupid?" Harsh, but real.
As we look around in our culture we are confronted daily with stupidity in action. To give millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood to destroy babies is stupid! A man choosing to marry another man is stupid! Giving a man the green light to use a ladies bathroom or fitting room because he says he feels like a woman is stupid! And when people go along with this madness, giving it the appearance of legitimacy, well, it’s just downright stupid!
A critical point to be made is not just that sin is stupid (and foolish) but that ultimately it leads to death. “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full – grown, brings forth death.” James 1:15. Also, we are told in Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Real freedom is found in coming to know Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior. That is true freedom.
The Word of God is truth. We are told in John 17:17 “Your Word is truth.” Truth helps us differentiate between what’s good and what’s evil. It always honors God. It sets us free. Knowing truth and applying it leads to true freedom and blessing in life.
Allowing people to do whatever they want to do in their humanness and their own flesh is not freedom. Though some people might think it is, it is not. We are told in Proverbs 29:18 “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful” (NLT).
Tragically, we see money enables many to indulge in destructive lifestyles which often end in misery and even death. The story is told of a gold fish that grew tired of living in his fishbowl. So, the gold fish decided that he wanted to be free of the restraints of his fish bowl. He decided he wanted to get out and see the world. So the fish began to leap. He leapt and leapt and leapt and finally leapt out of the fish bowl onto the counter. The fish cried out “I’m free, I’m free!” And five minutes later, he was dead.
One of the most important things we can do as the Church is speak the truth in love. We must love people enough to truthfully confront their affinity towards sin. I know, it’s not as easy or painless as it sounds. Yet, we must faithfully and lovingly proclaim the truth without compromise because it is the only thing that can set them free. And sometimes pointing out that the emperor is not wearing clothes is the most loving thing you can do.
