The Bible has much to say about why people can be irrational at times. Though created in God’s image and possessing reason and intellect, all people are affected by sin in a fallen world. This contributes to flawed thinking, emotions overriding logic, selective bias, and more. By turning to God’s Word, we can gain insight into the root causes of irrationalities and learn to overcome them by His grace.
One key reason people can act irrationally is that human judgment is imperfect and limited in perspective. As Isaiah 55:8-9 explains, God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. We lack God’s infinite understanding. Our knowledge is finite, so we can be mistaken in our reasoning and conclusions. We are prone to short-sightedness, while God sees and knows all.
People are also affected by the Fall and original sin. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, sin entered the world affecting all aspects of human nature (Genesis 3). Our minds and thinking processes were corrupted. As Romans 1:21 explains, sinful humans become futile in their thinking and our foolish hearts are darkened. Foolishness and false thinking take root. Irrationality flows from a heart turned away from God’s wisdom.
Sometimes irrationality stems from allowing emotions to override logic and clear thinking. Powerful feelings like anger, jealousy, fear, and pride can blind people from making wise choices. As James 1:19-20 warns, we should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Irrational decisions often happen when emotions are unchecked.
Selfishness and lack of love also contribute to flawed thinking. As 1 Corinthians 13 makes clear, love builds up but envy, boasting and pride lead to irrationality. People acting out of selfishness and sinful motivations are prone to justifying all kinds of poor decisions and behaviors as they seek their own gain over what is best for others (Philippians 2:3).
Sometimes irrational thinking happens when people selectively focus on certain information that aligns with their preconceived ideas. This tunnel vision or confirmation bias ignores other facts that might lead to wiser perspectives. Proverbs 18:13 cautions against this: “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Jumping to conclusions without considering all sides is unwise.
In other cases, peer pressure from surrounding culture and godless influences impacts people’s ability to think soundly. Romans 12:2 warns against being conformed to worldly patterns of thinking. Ungodly input from media, friends, authorities and public opinion can sway people to go along with popular yet irrational ways of thinking that defy God’s standards.
Pride and arrogance are another source of irrationality. Many people stubbornly cling to their own flawed opinions rather than humbly seeking after God’s wisdom. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice,” cautions Proverbs 12:15. Arrogance blinds people to their faulty thinking.
Fear and anxiety also breed irrational responses. People driven by fear make desperate decisions thinking in terms of fight or flight, even if those choices make little sense upon further reflection. As 2 Timothy 1:7 affirms, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” When we are anchored in faith in God, we gain perspective over fear.
Lack of self-control, impatience and anger management lead people to make rash choices they will often regret after calming down. The Bible continually warns us to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). Make decisions with a calm, clear head and spirit, not in an irrational flurry of emotion.
At times, people simply lack the facts and information needed to make fully rational choices. “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way,” cautions Proverbs 19:2. Jumping to conclusions without having all the data easily leads to poor outcomes. Wise choices require diligent study and patient consideration of options.
Mental and emotional fatigue can also inhibit clear thinking. When people’s minds and bodies are exhausted, they become more reactionary and irritation leads to irrational outbursts. Rest and self-care are vital, as Jesus taught: “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Proper care of our whole being promotes rational thought.
Laziness and lack of discipline promote muddled, irrational thinking over time. As Hebrews 5:14 explains, through consistent practice in using God’s Word, our senses are trained to discern both good and evil. Building mental discipline takes focus, but pays dividends in the ability to process information rationally.
In summary, human judgment is by nature limited and flawed. People struggle with confirmation bias, excessive emotions, pride, peer pressure, lack of facts, fear, lack of self-control, arrogance, and mental fatigue. This contributes to irrational choices and behaviors. Thankfully, Scripture provides insight for overcoming these pitfalls.
The Bible encourages developing self-control, patience, discipline, humility and wisdom. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13). Godly wisdom guards against irrationality.
We should test all beliefs and inputs against God’s Word, not merely succumb to the latest popular views. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Evaluate ideas biblically.
It is vital we acknowledge our limited perspective and seek God’s higher ways over our own. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Scripture teaches us to treat others with love and guard against selfish ambition that clouds thinking. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Loving God and neighbor provides needed perspective.
The Holy Spirit guides Christ-followers into greater alignment with God’s truth. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13). As we walk with God in faith, our minds are renewed after His image.
God offers discernment to help filter our inputs and distinguish truth from falsehood. “The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). Seek God for discernment amidst competing messages.
As believers, we have the mind of Christ and access to God’s thinking through Scripture. “Who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). God shares His rationale with us.
In conclusion, though prone to irrational tendencies, Christians have amazing resources in Christ. As we humbly surrender our minds to be renewed, gain discernment, and align with God’s higher thoughts, irrationality fades. We begin thinking and acting with the wisdom of heaven.