Pointless Practice

(Proverbs 16:22 KJV)  Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

“Instruction” (discipline NASB) is not an automatic solution.  Someone, maybe many people, pointed out that it is not true that “practice makes perfect”.  It should be “perfect practice makes perfect”.  If you practice wrong, you reinforce the wrong things.  If you spank wrong, you build resentment and confusion. 

I remember when I first started down the road to dealing with my diabetes.  The doctor told me to count carbohydrates.  I began to count carbohydrates and I noticed a strange thing, many of the foods I really liked didn’t have much in the way of carbohydrates:  Bacon, cheese, butter.  I regulated my carbs.  I pigged out on everything else.  Needless to say things did not get better.  it was the “discipline” (4148) of a “fool” (191). 

So?  We need a solid foundation in the things of God and a heart motivation that is established by grace.  It doesn’t do much good to exercise if it just leads to bigger bowls of popcorn.