THE FOOL WHO BRINGS TROUBLE DOWN ON HIMSELF

“Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death" (Psalm 107:17-18).

According to the dictionary, a fool is someone who lacks judgment or good sense, one who does silly things without thinking of the consequences.

What could be more foolish and unthinkable than indulging in sexual activity with an unknown person? The whole world knows that AIDS is an international problem and yet people all over the world are still contracting it. People simply refuse to be alarmed. Women risk their lives and men trade their futures for an hour of carnal pleasure.

Many are suffering serious consequences for their absolutely foolish acts. They talk about the terror they felt when they first sensed something strange in their body. They knew something was not right and suddenly a haunting memory came back to them—a memory of a foolish act in their past, either sexual or drug-related. It happened when they were living in sin, playing the fool.

"Because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, [they] are afflicted" (verse 17). The despair of many such Christians is unspeakable. They feel helpless, on the verge of giving up. One man said, "I feel like my life is over. There's nothing I can do. I just look forward to death."

"They draw near unto the gates of death" (verse 18). Beloved, you do not have to live without hope. God has given you His Word that He does not walk out on fools!

"Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions" (Psalm 107:19-20).

The Lord knows there are things we cannot change, words we have spoken that we cannot bring back. Yet He is not asking us to do penance or make promises. All He asks is that we cry out to Him in our desperation. He wants to heal, prolong life and provide supernatural grace.