S74P2 – When fools rush in: the choice of wisdom
Pro. 1:20-23
Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.”
He had never broken a bone in his life, but he certainly experienced his fair share of injuries not only in childhood but even as an adult. The boy was a risk-taker who grew into a man who thought every boundary could be pushed just a little further. As a child, this meant touching what was too hot even after a warning or risking expulsion for the sake of pulling off the most impressive prank. As an adult, his poor decisions had much greater consequences. By that point, the consensus was clear among his circle of friends and family. This was someone who was willing to gamble with his reputation and his freedom for no good reason. His were foolish choices no one could understand.
I have known people who just cannot get it together and make wise decisions. Whether they regard finances, relationships or everyday adult responsibilities, their choices do not seem to be well thought out. Some might say that they do not know any better or have not been shown any different. Of course, on our own we cannot find wisdom, but that does not mean that foolishness is some uncontrollable condition to which anyone is relegated. The truth of God’s word tells us that each of us has the choice to pursue wisdom and knowledge. This means that those who remain in their foolishness also are choosing that route. The thing is, the wisdom of God is available to all who follow him without exception. We only need to decide to take that course.
It does us a great disservice to adopt a victim mentality and believe that we are relegated to any of the imperfections we experience in this fallen world. God makes a way for all that is wrong to be made right. This includes the gap between our wisdom and knowledge and that of God. Regardless of our education and experience in life, God makes available to us everything we need to live wisely. If we decide to remain foolish, we are accountable for that decision. Let us take action and pursue wisdom to replace any foolish ways remaining in us. Father, expose to us every area in which we remain foolish, and help us to replace that foolishness with your wisdom from on high.