That phrase is also used to optimistically whitewash our experiential failures due to our lack-of-understanding. It often makes us feel better because "how could we have known?" Hindsight serves to give us the wisdom and resolve for "next time" because "what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger," right?
But, sometimes hindsight becomes our scapegoat for lack of foresight. However, the Word of God offers us many opportunities to have the foresight of hindsight.
James 1:2-3 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
The author is prophetically giving us the foresight of hindsight. In essence, he is saying, "don't wait until the trials are over before hindsight gives you understanding of the meaning of the trial or the joy it can produce for you."
He is encouraging us to have the foresight, when our trials begin, to grasp the reason for the trial.
Rather than looking back on our trial and saying, "Hindsight is 20/20...I guess this is what the Lord wanted to teach us from this situation", we have an opportunity to look forward and know that, no matter what the trial, perseverance is developing in us.
That gives us reason to have joy through the circumstance! That gives us the opportunity to declare that Biblical Foresight is 20/20!
