Well Planned

Jeremiah 4:22 (KJV) For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

(Proverbs 30 also read)

Most of us know in a general sense the difference between right and wrong.  We know good from evil.  So does the rest of the world, even if they don’t agree with us on all of the fine details.  What is frustrating is that people tend to choose to go the way of wrong and evil.  Not only is it a deliberate choice, but it is a choice that involves conscious effort.

That comes through in this verse.  These are the children of Israel.  They may not know every detail of the law, but they have a general idea of how their lives should be lived.  Instead of putting the effort into finding ways to honor God, they invest the strength they have into finding ways around Him.  The KJV says they are wise, the NASB says, shrewd.  In many ways, these are positive qualities yet not when used to pursue evil.

So?  You only have so much time and so much energy.  You have a mind God has given you and an understanding and education with which to use that in mind.  Use it for God’s glory, not to fight Him.