Folly Loves Fear
Do you make bad choices when you worry? Read why folly loves fear and how to trust God instead. Learn to find true peace in your Christian faith today.
Introduction
Have you ever made a bad choice because you were afraid? In the Bible, making bad choices is often called foolishness or "folly." There is a strong connection between being afraid and being foolish. We can say that folly loves fear. When we are scared, we stop thinking clearly. We forget that God is big and strong. Instead of waiting for His help, we try to fix things our own way. This almost always leads to more trouble. The enemy wants us to live in fear because he knows that a frightened mind will easily choose the wrong path. But God calls us to live with a quiet and brave heart. Let us look at four reasons why folly loves fear and how we can choose wisdom instead.
Fear Makes Us Rush
The first reason folly loves fear is that fear makes us rush. When we face a big problem, our hearts beat fast. We feel like we must do something right this second. But rushing is a clear sign of foolishness. Proverbs 14:29 says, "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly." To be hasty means to rush without thinking. When you are afraid, you might say angry words or make a fast choice that hurts your family. You do not stop to pray. Wisdom tells us to slow down, but fear pushes us to run into the dark. If we want to stop making foolish choices, we must learn to stand still and wait for God.
Fear Makes Us Hide
The second reason is that fear makes us want to hide from God. When we make a mistake, fear tells us that God is very angry and will not forgive us. This is a foolish thought, but fear makes it sound true. So, instead of asking for forgiveness, we hide our sins. We stop reading the Bible and we stop praying. But God wants to give us power, not fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." A sound mind is a wise and calm mind. Folly wants you to hide in the dark with your fear. But God's love calls you out into the bright light where you can be safe and forgiven.
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Fear Listens to Lies
The third reason folly loves fear is that fear easily believes lies. When you are worried about tomorrow, your mind starts to tell you bad stories. It tells you that you will fail, that no one loves you, or that God has left you. Believing these lies is foolishness. The best way to push away these lies is with love. 1 John 4:18 tells us, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment." Folly uses the torment of fear to keep you sad. But when you remember how much Jesus loves you, the lies lose their power. Perfect love throws the fear outside. When the fear is gone, the foolish lies leave too, and you can see the truth clearly.
Wisdom Waits on the Lord
Finally, folly loves fear because fear hates to wait. Fear wants a fast answer right now. But the opposite of folly is wisdom, and wisdom knows how to wait on the Lord. Sometimes, God does not answer our prayers on the same day. During that quiet time, fear will yell at you to give up. It will tell you to take control. But we must be brave and wait. Psalm 27:14 gives us this wise rule: "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Waiting is not doing nothing. Waiting is an act of deep trust. When you wait on God with a good courage, you defeat fear. You choose the wise path that leads to true peace.
Conclusion
It is very clear why folly loves fear. Fear makes us rush, hide, listen to lies, and give up when we should wait. But as Christians, we do not have to be trapped by foolish choices. We have a Father in heaven who watches over every step we take. The next time you feel a wave of worry hitting your heart, do not move fast. Take a deep breath and remember that God is with you. Give your heavy worries to Him in prayer. Let His perfect love throw the fear completely out of your mind. When you choose to trust Jesus, you close the door on folly. You open your heart to wisdom, a sound mind, and a beautiful life of peace.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for making bad choices according to the article?
Another word for making bad choices is foolishness or "folly."
What happens to our thinking when we are scared?
When we are scared, we stop thinking clearly and forget that God is big and strong.
Why does fear make us want to hide from God?
Because when we make a mistake, fear tells us the lie that God is very angry and will not forgive us.
According to Proverbs 14:29, what does a hasty spirit do?
A hasty spirit "exalteth folly," meaning it lifts up foolishness.
What does wisdom tell us to do when fear pushes us to rush?
Wisdom tells us to slow down, stand still, and wait for God.
According to 2 Timothy 1:7, what kind of spirit has God given us?
God has given us a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind.