Wrong Way Remorse Remedy

Admitting you are wrong is not easy. It can be humiliating and humbling, embarrassing and discouraging. But someday, sometime, you might have to make just such an admission.

I have known the painful place of pierced pride resulting from my arrogance, stubbornness, ignorance, or a combination of all three. In hindsight, I've discovered that landing in this spot is usually avoidable if some basic disciplines are exercised.

So, what have I learned from my past mistakes that might be useful to you as you are faced with serious decisions and choices? Hopefully, I can share a few valuable life lessons that will save you from dining on humble pie as a result of a fall that follows pride.

For starters, slow down. My most foolish actions were made in haste. I have learned from wiser people (and from God's Word) that major decisions should not be made impulsively. Listen to these words from Proverbs 18:13 Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.

Next, don't just be slow to act, be slow to speak. Once they've escaped the confines of our mouth, our words cannot be retracted. Apologized for, yes. Taken back, never. Do not underestimate the damage done by a wagging tongue.
Proverbs 18:7 sums it up nicely: The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.

Finally, always ask God--but not with a predetermined agenda or stubborn heart. Ask with pliable flexibility and humble submission that will allow Him to actually lead you. In other words, get out of the driver's seat and let God be Lord in your life!Proverbs 16: 25 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. 21:2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.

Today's passages are Proverbs chapters 16 through 24. The verses reminded me that when I walk in the ways of the Lord, my destiny is secure and His plans will be my own--but when I ignore the warnings of scripture, I am heading head-on into the path of wrong way remorse.