Ecclesiastes 4:13

“Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.”

Years ago my father and I lived in different states. He was in his late 70’s and I used to call him to make sure he was doing okay. Over time I noticed that he started becoming suspicious of other people, almost paranoid. Not being there physically I initially took him at his word concerning the things he told me. Most of the time he sounded very convincing.

But over time it got to the point to where he was convinced that his phone was tapped, and people were listening to his conversations in an effort to take ownership of his house somehow. I tried to convince him otherwise, but he would not accept any other explanation. Eventually I got him a cell phone and told him that it would be much harder for people to listen in on his conversations. He soon rejected this idea too.

What I didn’t realize was that he was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. No amount of reason or logic was going to convince him of anything different than what he had already set his mind to. He wouldn’t listen to my advice.

For most of us, we don’t stop listening to sound advice due to Alzheimer’s, but due to other “diseases”, namely deception and pride. We have a tendency to believe and listen to someone based on if they agree with our preconceived ideas. Their agreement validates us, makes us feel better, reinforces that we are correct…but doesn’t address the main questions: “Is what I believe really the truth about the matter? Is the truth something I really don’t want to accept for other reasons?” You’ll end up believing a “validating lie” as opposed to the truth.

The “disease” of pride is a most hideous “disease” because it involves a deliberate refusal to be open to the truth. It’s like you’re saying, “Don’t bother me with the facts; I’ve already made up my mind.” If the “disease” of pride is left to metastasize into your heart, like a cancer, you will soon forget how to take sound advice.

The Bible warns us about divisive people who deceive “the hearts of unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words. (Romans 16:17-18), and how God hates pride (Proverbs 6:16-17). Deception and pride are enemies to sound godly wisdom.

Avoid being like the “foolish old king” refusing to seek and accept godly advice. My dad had Alzheimer’s disease. What’s your excuse?