I listened to a radio interview a while back, and my interest piqued when I heard the title of a book being discussed. Seven Stupid Things People do to Mess Up Their Lives (and how not to do them) was written by Dr. Beau Adams. In the interview, he shared insights on how the book of Proverbs provides wisdom on living life and gives directions for moral behavior and values.

The first stupid thing listed is YOU FOLLOW THE WRONG CROWD.

Proverbs 1:10 says, “My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!” warning not to let them draw you in. Escape by simply turning away and don’t feel bad about doing it. Once you compromise for acceptance and approval, it’s just varying degrees of what you are willing to do from there. The author suggests avoiding the wrong crowd by asking yourself, “Do these friends build up my life and make me a better person or do they lead me farther from Christ and closer to destruction?”

The second stupid thing listed is THINKING YOU KNOW IT ALL.

Proverbs 3:7 says, “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom…” The scripture means never be impressed or satisfied with your own wisdom to the point you don’t seek counsel from the Lord for every area of your life. The author emphasizes here the role pride plays in your thinking.

The third stupid thing is CHOOSING THE PATH OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY.

The first thing to understand is you don’t suddenly find yourself in immorality. It is a path you follow because of choices you make. Dr. Adams states biblical ways to avoid the trap of sexual immorality including learning discernment through consequences.

The fourth is BECOMING LAZY.

Sometimes you miss out on experiencing some of the most wonderful things God has for you because you are too lazy to pursue them.

The fifth stupid thing is OVERSPENDING AND INCURRING DEBT.

The author breaks this into three categories stating “Some have dated debt, some have long-term relationships with debt, and many have been living in debt so long, they’re married to it.” Dr. Adams suggests living with gratitude for what you have is the key to living within your means.

The sixth stupid thing is REFUSING TO CONTROL YOUR TONGUE.

Proverbs 18:2 says, “Words kill, words give life”. This is a common problem we see in counseling and, fortunately, there are ways to recover.

The seventh stupid thing is FAILING TO CONTROL YOUR ANGER.

The price tag could be divorce, violence, injury, death, broken homes, job loss, and the list goes on. Proverbs 19:11 says, “Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.”

I recommend this short book (96 pages) offering biblically backed principles to keep you on God’s path to becoming your best.

Written by Lois Trost, M.S.W.