People living in the sunny state of Florida in the US are dealing with a slow-moving but destructive creature. The Giant African snail, which can grow as big as a rat, is wreaking havoc as it gnaws through the stucco exterior of homes and devours every plant in its path. What’s more, the snails produce 1,200 eggs a year and leave a disgusting trail of slime and excrement wherever they go. These slow-moving, somewhat small pests have become a big problem real fast!
Solomon noted that something small—like a fly—can spoil even the sweetest smelling fragrance. He wrote, “As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1). Throughout God’s Word, this idea is revisited—what may appear to be tiny, foolish choices can lead to massive problems.
For instance, James wrote, “A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself” (James 3:5-6). And Jesus described the source of our foolish words and actions: “From within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness” (Mark 7:21-22).
Are you considering a foolish decision? Even if you think it’s a small matter, think about the devastation it could bring to you and the cause of Christ. And, as you consider which path to take (Ecclesiastes 10:2-3), remember that the right choice reflects your heart and your relationship with God. That isn’t just a little thing.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 16:1-21
More:
Read Matthew 7:26-27 and see what Jesus says is a foolish choice and how it can affect the foundation of your life.
Next:
Why do believers in Jesus sometimes make foolish choices? What will you do to pursue a wise course in Him today?
Wayne on March 13, 2014 at 2:01 am
I believe we all make foolish choices because we’re not perfect. But I try to be. I read God’s word through each year & do several Bible studies like this one. I try to do my best, God is kind & merciful he loves us & knows our hearts. Keep your mind on God, put him first & he’ll help us.
Thankful, Wayne
Tom Felten on March 13, 2014 at 8:46 am
Thanks for your comments, Wayne. Yes, there was only one perfect human—Jesus Christ. Praise God that by His grace we can receive salvation and be indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works in us, helping us to turn away from little and big things that are detrimental to our fellowship with God and witness to others.
BearPair on March 13, 2014 at 2:56 am
One of Patricia’s favorite “little things” are Solomon’s “little foxes,” found in Song of Solomon.
Tom Felten on March 13, 2014 at 8:49 am
Yep, we have to catch the little “foxes,” for they will spoil the “vineyard” of our lives! (Song of Songs 2:15).
Ruth O'reilly-smith on March 13, 2014 at 6:32 am
Paul likens the devastation that comes from being deceived by false teaching to a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough (Galatians 5:9). And then Jesus says, if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for us. (Matthew 17:20-21). We would be wise to carefully consider the small and seemingly insignificant.
Tom Felten on March 13, 2014 at 8:51 am
So true, Ruth. Today, some teaching can “tickle our ears” and sound so “good,” but does it truly line up with what’s revealed in God’s Word?
Gene on March 13, 2014 at 8:10 am
The giant snail reminds me of pride slinking in my life and causing me to make bad decisions. Like the snail, “pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.” – C.S. Lewis. Great topic, Tom.
Tom Felten on March 13, 2014 at 9:00 am
Thanks for this insight and potent quote from C.S. Lewis, Gene. It’s been my experience, as well, that pride creeps into my heart without me noticing. But then I’ll suddenly see its ugliness and the effect its having on me, my relationship with God, and my relationship with others. So grateful for God’s Word, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the “wounds” from good friends to help me see my sin and turn away from it.