Day 75, Year 1 Foolishness Leads to Sin

“The devising of folly is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men.” (Proverbs 24:9 NASB)

“Sin” in today’s verse is chatta’th in Hebrew, which refers to the “condition of sin, guilt of sin, or the punishment for sin.” In other contexts, it also means “sin offering.” Perhaps the fools think that sinning is not terrible as long as there is a remedy. Hence, sin offerings in the Old Testament could lead wealthy people at that time to mistakenly believe they need not be afraid of sinning. Similarly, some wrongly think that once they believe in Jesus, they can do whatever they please because He will forgive all their sins in the past, present, and future. However, Hebrews chapter 10, verses 26 to 27 clearly state that if someone keeps sinning willfully after receiving the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but terrifyingly awaits God’s judgment with the fury of a fire.

The condition of sin refers to the state of disobeying God, wrongdoings, and understanding Him in incorrect ways. Today, many societies promote atheism or idolatry, and it is often difficult for believers who live in such environments to practice obeying God. So, we need to seek the Spirit of Jesus and His empowerment so that we may declare our faith and become genuine Christians in His eyes. We should strive to obey God as much as possible in every situation. When we are forced to disobey, we should seek His forgiveness and remedy and even ask Him to change the situation.

Fools are often tormented by guilt or have a seared conscience. While unbelievers do things that violate their conscience, they are burdened by guilt. But believers are troubled by guilt when we frequently violate God’s words or guidance. If people do not deal with such guilt properly, their conscience will be numbed over time. Eventually, they no longer feel their conscience accusing them when they are doing wrong, which puts their salvation at risk. Of course, doing wrong has consequences. Some fools try every possible means to escape the punishment for their sins, often refusing to acknowledge their transgressions. They live in fear of being exposed, not knowing when the punishment will come upon them. Constantly calculating and pondering, worrying about how others would see or judge them, it is impossible for them not always to worry, as Jesus said. Finally, the “scoffer” mentioned in today’s verse blasphemes God, slanders people, and is abhorred by many.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you find living in sin to be painful? If there are sinners who do not feel that pain, how would you help them?

2) How would you help those with a seared conscience to be awakened?