Self-delusion, particularly in the context of assuming that one's life will be prolonged, is a theme addressed in various passages of the Bible. This notion reflects a misunderstanding of human mortality and the sovereignty of God over life and death. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on the folly of presuming upon the future without acknowledging God's will.

Biblical Warnings Against Presuming on the Future

The Bible warns against the arrogance of assuming that we have control over the length of our lives. James 4:13-15 admonishes believers: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'" This passage highlights the transient nature of human life and the importance of submitting to God's will.

The Parable of the Rich Fool

Jesus' parable of the rich fool, found in Luke 12:16-21 , further illustrates the danger of self-delusion regarding the future. The rich man, after accumulating great wealth, said to himself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry." But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?" This parable serves as a stark reminder that earthly plans and possessions are ultimately subject to God's timing and judgment.

The Brevity of Life

The Scriptures frequently emphasize the brevity and uncertainty of life. Psalm 39:4-5 states, "O LORD, make me know my end and the measure of my days, let me know how fleeting my life is. You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath." This acknowledgment of life's fleeting nature encourages humility and dependence on God.

Trust in God's Sovereignty

Proverbs 27:1 advises, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." This wisdom literature underscores the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty rather than relying on human understanding or plans. The believer is called to live with an awareness of God's ultimate authority over life and death.

Living with Eternal Perspective

The Bible encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that life on earth is temporary. In 2 Corinthians 4:18 , Paul writes, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This perspective shifts the focus from earthly longevity to eternal significance, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God and the fulfillment of His purposes.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that self-delusion in assuming the prolongation of life is a misunderstanding of human limitations and divine sovereignty. By acknowledging the brevity of life and submitting to God's will, believers are called to live with humility, trust, and an eternal perspective.Isaiah 56:12
Come you, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 12:19
And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Nave's Topical Index

James 4:13
Go to now, you that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
Nave's Topical Index

Is God a delusion? | GotQuestions.org

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Delusion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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