Hindsight is 20/20

 

The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving. Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance. The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:8-12 ESV).

 

John Carter is correct in the cartoon attached here. Concerning our foresight, we often are completely blind. Many of us have had moments when we have looked back on a past decision and wondered, “How did I ever think that was a good idea?” Yet at the time, that decision or choice probably seemed right to us. There’s a reason why people say, “Hindsight is 20/20.” This means you can often see a situation more clearly (as with 20/20 vision) after it has passed, and you have had time to learn from some of the choices you have made. Our own ability to see clearly in the present moment is limited. And what appears to be the right decision or right thinking in the moment can sometimes do more harm than good.

 

Jesus warned his disciples that following him would not be easy or even look like a good idea at times. He spoke about the costs of being his disciple, but he also promised that his way leads to life. He said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

 

In other words, there can be many ways that appear to be right (even religiously) and seem more attractive than the way of Jesus, but they will bring misery and destruction in the end. All of us, if we are honest, can admit to those times when we didn’t make the “right” decision. Let me encourage you. First, don’t live in the past. Learn from it. Don’t repeat it if it was destructive. If it is guilt or shame you are feeling, that doesn’t come from our Father in heaven. He has forgiven us. Accept that forgiveness and move forward. Second, take advantage of wise counsel for the future. There are no unique failures. They are all common to mankind. Use the Scripture and wise counsel of those who have traveled a bit further than you to help find the path that leads to life. This is wisdom at work in your life.