Proverbs 18:1-4 English Standard Version 

1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

Not everyone who is isolated has chosen to do so. Sometimes circumstances and responsibilities place them in that position.

When we take pleasure in understanding, that does not disqualify us from being foolish.

It is my opinion that we break out against sound judgment when we hold our opinion above the Word of God. 

That is my opinion. Just one of many. Those that I choose to share must have some benefit or they must be kept to themselves.

Does the bible answer every question? No. That is not the purpose of the bible. God’s Word is about knowing Him, His promises, His plans, and does not address every thought that comes to the mind of the curious.

Who can we trust with our curious thoughts?

It is my opinion that we need to develop close personal relationships with men and women who have first proven they care about our best interest and are sound in their understanding of God’s Word.

If God’s Word does not answer a question perhaps that is an opportunity to step back and look within ourselves in the arena of mental discipline.

2 Corinthians 10:5 English Standard Version (ESV) We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

The “we” in this verse are not the ones with lofty opinions.

Ezekiel 13:21-23 English Standard Version

21 Your veils also I will tear off and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand as prey, and you shall know that I am the Lord. 22 Because you have disheartened the righteous falsely, although I have not grieved him, and you have encouraged the wicked, that he should not turn from his evil way to save his life, 23 therefore you shall no more see false visions nor practice divination. I will deliver my people out of your hand. And you shall know that I am the Lord.”

We must be careful when reading scripture to understand who the Lord is talking to, who the Lord is talking about, and what the circumstances are surrounding these scriptures.

In the beginning of this chapter the Lord is speaking to Ezekiel about Israel’s false prophets. These false prophets were enjoying some level of success among the people. Nothing encourages falsehood more than success.

What was the turning point; “Enough of this!”?

5 You have not gone up into the breaches, or built up a wall for the house of Israel, that it might stand in battle in the day of the Lord.

It might not be what those false prophets have done but rather what they had not done to prepare His people for what was to come.

There are some among us that have gained an ear because their words have some emotional appeal to listeners.

2 Timothy 4:3 English Standard Version (ESV) For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[healthy] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,

The success for some builds pride in performance and there is no incentive to change the message. It is not enough to make people feel good about their spiritual life, we must prepare them for what is coming.

History and the Word of the Lord tells us what is coming for us and why.

The mistakes of others in the past tell us what not to do. 

Psalm 119:144 English Standard Version (ESV) Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.