Moses reprimands the Israelites as "a perverse and twisted generation" (Deuteronomy 32:5).
When we allow our desires to influence our thinking, we can be "perverse and twisted." One recovering alcoholic said, "In all my years of drinking, I never once took a drink unless I decided that it was the proper thing to do at the time."
Moses said that the only way to avoid becoming victims of our distorted thinking is, "Ask your elders and they will tell you" (ibid. 32:7). Accept guidance from wise, experienced, and competent people. Solomon said, "All of a person's ways are right in his own eyes" (Proverbs 16:2). We must recognize our vulnerability to self-deception.
Our desires twist our thinking. Our ability to rationalize is immense. We are capable of justifying the most outlandish behavior.