What Does the Bible Say About Murphy's Law?

"Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." This adage, known as Murphy's Law, pervades our culture. It has inspired web pages and lists of applications and corollaries. Should Christians subscribe to this popular view? What does the Bible say about Murphy's Law?

What does Murphy's Law mean?

Murphy's Law can be a design philosophy. In that sense, it is simple wisdom. However, the popular notion of Murphy's Law - the idea that has inspired websites, that is quoted every day, that has captured the hearts and minds of Americans - is a sweeping statement about the nature of reality. When somebody quotes Murphy's Law in the popular sense, she means the universe is out to get her in the most petty and perverse ways possible.

This meaning of Murphy's Law is closely linked with MacGillicuddy's Corollary, "and it will happen at the most inopportune time." When you're in a hurry driving, you hit all red lights. You can never find a pen when you need one, and the first one you do find won't work. It always rains when you plan a picnic. The examples flow endlessly, but those few convey the mindset behind the law.

What does the Bible say about Murphy's Law?

What does the Bible say about this form of Murphy's Law? Well, how does subscribing to this belief affect a person? It can cause anxiety, cynicism, hopelessness, and pessimism. Let's see what the Bible says about each of these effects.

Anxiety

The person who lives by Murphy's Law may become more anxious. He's always waiting for the next mishap. Anxiety can also cause belief in Murphy's Law, since we tend to notice problems more when we are already worried. The Bible teaches peace, not anxiety. "In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6, WEB).

Cynicism

When a person always expects problems, she can quickly become cynical or bitter. Bitterness usually comes from unforgiveness toward a person, but Murphy's Law can cause unforgiveness toward life in general. The Bible warns against bitterness, cautioning us to "[look] carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it" (Hebrews 12:15, WEB).

Hopelessness

Murphy's Law teaches that hope is beyond useless. Anything we hope for, it says, we won't get. The more strongly we hope for something, the more surely it will elude us. True, worldly hope does sometimes disappoint us. Christians, though, are to hold to a different kind of hope. "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast..." (Hebrews 6:19, WEB).

Pessimism

The essence of Murphy's Law is that bad things happen because the universe is designed for bad things to happen. It's tough, but expect it. What does the Bible say?

First, we should expect bad things to happen. Satan is the god of this world (II Corinthians 4:4), and we live in "this present evil age" (Galatians 1:4, WEB). Peter tells believers not to be "astonished at the fiery trial" (I Peter 4:12, WEB). The Bible and Murphy's Law agree that bad things happen - but they disagree radically on why they happen.

By Murphy's Law, things go wrong because the universe is sadistic. From the Bible, we know that troubles can have a number of causes: testing us, helping us grow, correcting us when we stray, and others. We won't know all the reasons until we see the Lord. Through it all, though, we have this promise: "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28, WEB).

Conclusion

Paul wrote an anti-Murphy's Law: "Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.... We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn't disappoint us..." (Romans 5:1-5, WEB, emphasis added). He also wrote the first corollary, Romans 8:28, quoted above.

Although Murphy's Law is a very popular mindset - I tend to fall into it often - it is completely opposed to the truths in the Bible. Instead of, "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong," we should say, "Anything that can go right, will go right, and it will happen in God's perfect timing."