An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions” (Proverbs 18:1-2).

When I am estranged from the Lord, the last thing I want to hear is sound judgment. I will barricade myself against it. But since I cannot protect myself from sound judgment with sound judgment, I must do it with pretexts—shallow, weak arguments which deceive only me. If the searchlight of sound judgment breaks into my hideout, I find myself confessing, forsaking, and being restored to the Lord.

During my estrangement I take no pleasure in understanding, but I am very eager to express my opinion. After I am back in fellowship, I am amazed how stupid I was. How I regret my big mouth. Truly it is foolish.

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