[307 words]
No one wants to be known as a fool. No one relishes the idea of being seen as someone who lacks judgment or prudence and is easily duped or swindled. Mankind has a strong desire to be seen as capable, intelligent and strong in the eyes of their peers.
However, what should be of greatest importance to us is being commended by God (2 Cor. 10:18). What a life we would live if we sought to be seen as “wise” by God! The book of Proverbs was written in part to reveal to us what wisdom looks like.
Part of being wise is avoiding living like a fool (adapted from Ray Deck III):
A fool is easily upset. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult (Proverbs 12:16).
A fool is irrational. The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps (Proverb s 14:15).
A fool hates his mother. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother (Proverbs 15:20).
A fool loves to talk, but hates to listen. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion (Proverbs 18:2).
A fool starts fights. A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating (Proverbs 18:6).
A fool is destructively self-reliant. Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered (Proverbs 28:26).
A fool makes light of sin. Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding (Proverbs 10:23).
Looking over this list, what changes do we need to make? According to this wisdom from Proverbs, would we be considered wise or foolish in the eyes of God?
Bart Warren
S. Green St. Church of Christ
Glasgow,KY