Full Speed Into Stupid
RUNNING TOWARDS A CLIFF
We can see their bad choice coming from a mile away.
Maybe we catch the first sentence of the text they are typing—about to pour gasoline on an already burning argument. Or perhaps they ask us to cosign on an apartment because they do not have the income history to match the rent.
This month, we will see people we know running full speed into stupidity (foolishness).
We will see someone we know wearing busyness like it is a badge of honor, giving the scraps of their time and attention to the people and priorities that matter most.
We will see someone spending each day angry at the latest headline, living on the fuel of our outrage culture, expected to have an emotional reaction to every clickbait issue in the week’s news cycle.
Here is the big question for us today: when we see someone running toward a cliff they believe is a finish line, are we going to try to stop them?
WHY WE HESITATE
We hesitate many times for good reasons.
The last time we tried to address someone, it did not go well. They got defensive. We got frustrated. Things got awkward. Weeks passed before the air felt normal again, and we promised ourselves we would stay out of other people’s business because we did not want to go through that again.
We all want to be liked. Telling someone that what they are about to do is foolish is about as enjoyable for you to say as it is for them to hear.
On top of that, our culture has trained us in the art of staying out of other people’s business, especially that of other adults. We are told not to judge anyone’s choices.
So we find ourselves hesitant to step into their path as they are speeding into foolishness.
The problem is not whether we should say something. The real challenge is knowing how to go about it. And that is what we are going to revisit today. We are going to brush up on the skills we need to step in when a friend is about to make a choice the book of Proverbs calls foolish.
SLOW DOWN THE RUSH WITH GENTLE TRUTH
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6)
The Life Application Bible puts it this way: “A friend who has your best interests at heart may have to give you unpleasant advice at times, but you know it is for your own good. An enemy, by contrast, may whisper sweet words and happily send you on your way to ruin.”
When someone is charging into reckless decisions, our first job is not to match their speed—it is to slow the pace. Anger, shame, and sarcasm usually slams the door shut. Gentle truth opens it.
Imagine a friend about to confront someone in public with no plan for reconciliation. The sarcastic response might be, “Hey, you idiot, what are you doing?” That is not going to help.
Instead, share what you are seeing. Let them know you care enough to step in. Your tone and timing are as important as your words.
SHINE THE LIGHT ON THE CONSEQUENCES
“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” (Proverbs 22:3)
Foolish behavior lives in the moment without any concern for the probable aftermath. Wisdom pulls the camera back and lets them see the bigger picture.
When a friend is rushing toward a choice that will cost them more than they realize, one of the most loving things you can do is help them see beyond the moment. Ask questions that slow them down and help them consider what comes next. Sometimes that wider view is all it takes for them to pause and reconsider.
Use questions to help them see the outcome before they act: “What will this look like in six months? How will this impact your relationship? What would you tell someone else in your shoes?” The goal is not to shame, but to help them see it is a cliff, not a finish line.
OFFER A BETTER PATH, NOT ONLY A WARNING
“Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.” (Proverbs 4:26)
Correction without direction just leaves someone standing in the road. If you want them to change course, give them something solid to walk toward.
Think back to the earlier example of someone confronting another person with no motivation for reconciliation. Telling them not to do it might stop them for the moment, but it will not guide them toward something better. Suggest a healthier approach—like setting a time to meet privately, writing out what they want to say, and leading with a willingness to listen.
Give practical, doable next steps they can take today. People rarely abandon bad ideas unless they have a better one to grab hold of. Make “the better path” clear and attainable.
STAY PRESENT IN THEIR JOURNEY
“There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)
Even if they do not change right away, your ongoing presence gives credibility to your words. People are so used to others giving up on them—surprise them by sticking around.
You might continue meeting for coffee after they ignored your advice. You might check in a week later to see how they are doing. You might be ready to help them rebuild if things go wrong.
Your goal is transformation, not just correction. Staying connected communicates, “I am with you for the long haul.” That kind of loyalty can break down resistance over time and open the door for future influence.
Bottom Line:
We want to be wise people. We do not just tell someone to stop. We help them see the danger, give them a better way forward, and walk with them through it. That is not just correction—it is an ongoing relationship with the hope of their transformation.
©2025 Greg McNichols, All rights reserved.
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