Why do things go wrong?

I was reading a story about Joshua and the Israelite s in the bible. I came upon chapter 9 where the Gibeonites trick Joshua. They lie to him and tell him they are from far away. They are afraid of the Israelites because of how they slaughtered many nations before them.
I read on wondering why Joshua would allow himself to be tricked like that. Then I read in verse 14 that explains why they fell for the ruse.  14And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD.15And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.
They did not take council in the Lord. They trusted their own logic what they could see and hear and feel. They did not stop and think maybe we should ask the Lord.
My first thought was how stupid of them. Then I thought how many times in my life do I do the same thing? How many times have I consciously or sub consciously said I am smart enough to figure this out and not sought council from the Lord who knows all?
How much easier would our lives be if when we make a decision small or great we took the time to seek council with the Lord? If we waited on the Lord would the road not be easier to travel?

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
This is the essence of those of us who are saved by grace. Our faith and yet do we truly live by our faith as God wants us to? I can only answer for myself and I know I do not do as well as I could. I am going to try harder and remember the story of Joshua. 

Joshua did not get hurt by this but he did get tricked we are called to put on our armor of God so we are able to withstand the wiles of the devil. I intend to start paying more attention to this.