Wisdom and Folly, Both Clamoring for Attention

I’ve long contended the Old Testament book of Proverbs is one of the most easily applicable parts of the Bible. My book, Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace, focuses on principles from Proverbs that can enhance one’s life and work.

 

One of the Bible’s “wisdom books,” Proverbs emphasizes just that – wisdom. It opens by stating its purpose, “for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair…”(Proverbs 1:2-3). 

 

Then it makes what some may view as an audacious statement, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). Throughout Proverbs we find comparisons of wisdom and foolishness, underscoring the truth that to reject wise teaching inevitably leads to foolish decisions and calamity.

 

Proverbs’ 9^th chapter talks about two contrasting “women,” one named Wisdom and the other named Folly. Both, the chapter declares, are actively beckoning for our attention. Which we respond to is literally a life and death decision. 

 

The chapter opens, “Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars…she calls from the highest point of the city. ‘Let all who are simple come in here!’ she says to those who lack judgment” (Proverbs 9:1-4). We find a similar image in Proverbs 1:20-21, “Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech.”

 

We encounter the contrast to Wisdom a bit later in Proverbs 9: “The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city; calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. ‘Let those who are simple come in here!’ she says to those who lack judgment. ‘Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!’” (Proverbs 9:13-17).

 

At first glance we might think, ‘Okay, but I don’t see the big deal.’ That was my thought too, until July 9, 1997, when I was traveling in Eastern Europe with my uncle and aunt. We had just finished several days in Hungary, along with brief stops in Vienna, Austria and Prague, Czech Republic, and were looking for somewhere to spend the night.

 

I had just read Proverbs 9, the “Proverb of the day” portion of my daily Bible reading routine. We were on a highway driving past a city called Teplice. We had momentarily considered stopping there, but for some reason it did not seem inviting, so we continued on our way.

 

As we drove up a hill leading away from the city, we saw some small buildings along the road. They looked like the drive-through coffee shops we see in our communities today. Outside these little “shops” were women frantically waving to capture the attention of approaching motorists. At first, I thought they were part of the advertising strategy for the businesses, but as we got closer I realized, based on their skimpy attire, they were obviously engaged in a different type of “business.”

 

There were several of these “establishments” along the highway. The sight was shocking to me at first, but then the verses from Proverbs 9 came to mind again. Like both Wisdom and Folly described in the passage, those women were calling out to “all who are simple…those who lack judgment.”

 

What a vivid metaphor for what confronts each of us every day as we navigate this adventure called life. Whether we live in a city made up of hills and mountains or a town with flat terrain, Wisdom and Folly are shouting at us, clamoring for us to come near.

 

Each day we make choices whether to pursue wisdom or to engage in the folly of our times. Even if we faithfully attend weekly worship services, it’s so easy to forget the teaching and challenges we hear and proceed into the week living as if God doesn’t exist. And our society isn’t at all shy about offering godless alternatives.

 

The sad part is that to forgo wisdom, choosing foolishness instead, we risk a devastating outcome. After the empty promise that “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” come the sobering words, “But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave” (Proverbs 9:18).

 

The most obvious application here is sexual immorality, but it applies equally to anything we worship or idolize, anything that receives our devotion other than the one true God. As it says in Exodus 20:5, in the midst of Ten Commandments, “for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

Proverbs 9:10 gives this assurance: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” The question each of us must consider is whether we will pursue Wisdom, or whether we will yield to the enticements of Folly. How we answer that question makes all the difference, both for now and for eternity. 

For Some, April Fool’s Day is a Year-Long Observance

As I started writing this new post, it occurred to me that it would appear on April Fool’s Day. My first thought was that I wish folks were fools only on April 1. But all we need to do is watch the news, read the papers, see what people say on social media – or just go to the supermarket – to find confirmation that’s not true. They’re everywhere, and at times I’ve been counted among them.

Fools and foolishness aren’t inventions of the 21^stcentury, of course. The attraction toward folly and aversion for wisdom are as old as humankind. The Bible, with its unvarnished candor, cites many examples – including many of its “star” characters.

Even King Solomon, reputed to be the wisest man who ever lived, was no stranger to foolishness. God clearly commanded kings of Israel not to “acquire great numbers of horses for himself…take many wives for himself…[or] accumulate for himself great amounts of silver and gold" (Deuteronomy 17:15-17). So what did Solomon do? He collected many stables full of horses; he had 1,000 wives and concubines, and he became renowned for his material wealth. Each contributed to his less than stellar finish as king.

Nevertheless, in his collection of proverbs, Solomon wrote repeatedly and eloquently about the foibles of fools. Perhaps he was humbly drawing from personal experience, as well as astute observation.

He doesn’t take long to get to it. In Proverbs 1:7, the king asserted, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Later in the same chapter Solomon warns, “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them” (Proverbs 1:32). He contrasts that fate in the very next verse, declaring, “But whoever listens to [wisdom] will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

After proceeding to cite many of the benefits of pursuing wisdom in the succeeding chapters, Solomon composes a verbal image of how enticing foolishness can be: “The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. ‘Let all who are simple come in here!’ she says to those who lack judgment” (Proverbs 9:13-16).

I still remember a literal portrayal of this while traveling in Eastern Europe more than 20 years ago: “women of the street” shouting to get the attention of motorists as they drove past on the highway outside their city.

Solomon writes about foolish speech and behavior: “He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool…. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment…. A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom” (Proverbs 10:18, 21,23).

The Israelite king devotes nearly an entire chapter of Proverbs to exposing the futility and fatal consequences of foolishness. For instance, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1). Do you know of anyone who could fit that description, whether it applies to their own home and family, or the enterprises in which they’re involved?

A stern warning appears verses later: “Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception” (Proverbs 14:7-8).

Then we see a contrast between those who strive to do right and make amends when wrong is committed versus those who have no interest in doing so: “Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright…. A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless. A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated” (Proverbs 14:9,16-17).

Wisdom goes a long way toward achieving prosperity, according to Solomon, just as foolishness can shipwreck one’s aspirations: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly” (Proverbs 14:23-24).

The ancient king has lots more to say about the human blight we call foolishness, but you get the point. Fools delight in wallowing in their own foolishness, while those seeking to be wise diligently pursue wisdom, which starts with humble submission and reverence for God.

So while it’s April Fool’s Day, have fun pulling harmless pranks on your friends. By the way, your shoelace is untied. But if you desire to gain the most from this life, make wisdom a paramount goal.

A Goal Worth Pursuing for a Month – or More

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions yet? Have you broken any yet? Perhaps, if you’re like me, you formulate goals for the new year instead. I much prefer goals over resolutions, since once they’ve been broken, resolutions are done. Finis. Kaput. Finito. Goals, however, can be ongoing – works in progress.

If you’ve procrastinated and are still in the process of goal-setting or resolution-making for this year, I have a suggestion: How about aiming to read one chapter of Proverbs, the number of which matches the day’s date, for a month? Better yet, for at least two months? 

By doing that – for instance reading chapter 1 of Proverbs on Jan. 1, the second chapter on Jan. 2, and so on – you’ll be reading the entire book from the Bible twice. I guarantee, you’ll discover a fountain of wisdom that might leave you in amazement.

While writing this, I was reading through the 17^th chapter of Proverbs. It was filled with pithy statements that are deserving of being taken to heart and letting them guide our thoughts and actions. Here are some examples:

“Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife” (Proverbs 17:1). Living in an environment with continuous conflict does more than unsettle one’s stomach. It would probably be better having humble provisions with tranquility than to possess lavish provisions amid great turmoil.

“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart” (Proverbs 17:3). Just as precious metals are refined by intense heat, sometimes God turns up the “heat” of our circumstances not only to see what’s in our hearts (innermost motivations), but also to shape them into what He desires for them to be.

“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children” (Proverbs 17:6). This gives us a double-pronged view, noting the joy grandparents can feel once their own children have grown and they can enjoy the next generation of offspring. At the same time, the godly influence of parents who have espoused lofty virtues but strived to live up to them leaves an indelible impact.

“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends” (Proverbs 17:9). When we were kids, no one liked a tattletale. This holds true even for our adult years, when we confront the temptation to talk negatively about others even to the point of tearing them down in the presence of others.

“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out” (Proverbs 17:14). We live in a time when everyone seems eager to give a piece of their mind they can’t afford to lose. Arguments seldom resolve problems, so a calm spirit and well-controlled tongue can do wonders for preserving the peace.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). We hear so much about social media “friends,” as well as people whose friendships are restricted to certain activities. It’s a true blessing to have genuine friends we can count on during tough times as well as happy times.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). The problem with everyday life is that it’s so…daily. It can be discouraging and disheartening, especially when hopes, dreams and aspirations remain out of reach. Rather than adding to the gloom, we can do others a good service by offering words to encourage and uplift them.

“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” (Proverbs 17:28). As someone has observed, it’s better to be quiet and thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt. Words well-chosen and used with discretion are preferable to abundant words without substance.

These are just eight of the verses from a single chapter. And every chapter of Proverbs is packed with similar wisdom. If you’ve never tried it, I’d recommend reading one chapter from this book every day for a month. Then repeat the process for a second month. You might decide to make it a habit.

Proverbs Always Worth Pondering

For many years, I’ve found reading a chapter of Proverbs corresponding with the date of the month very profitable. The wisdom and insights this single book of the Bible offers are astonishing. Even for someone that doesn’t believe in God, reading Proverbs regularly would be very beneficial.

In fact, I authored a book some years back, Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace, giving many examples of how it relates to the 21^stcentury world of work. I’ve referred to some of the principles from time to time in this blog, and can’t help but wonder about the difference it would make if more people not only read Proverbs, but put what it says into practice.

Being one of the so-called “wisdom books” of the Bible, Proverbs starts with saying much about the value of wisdom itself. It observes, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7). Sounds a tad intolerant perhaps, but at least the primary author, King Solomon of Israel, didn’t mince words.

Need advice on personal financial management? Proverbs 3:9-10 has this to say: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, and the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” As has sometimes been said, you can’t out-give God. So giving to support His work will never leave you short. 

Industrialist R.G. LeTourneau for much of his life practiced what could be termed a “reverse tithe” – giving 90 percent of his income to charitable causes and keeping only 10 percent. He explained it this way: “I try to shovel out more for God than He can for me, but He always wins. He’s got a bigger shovel.”

We so often hear and read about people – respected individuals – who fall prey to many forms of temptation. Regarding those pitfalls, Proverbs offers this simple admonition: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Emotional impulses sometimes lead to actions we otherwise would not consider rationally, so making sure our hearts are in the right place, always putting God first and then others close to us, can protect ourselves from potential snares.

There are those who regard biblical teaching as restrictive, even archaic. But according to the writer of Proverbs, observing what it says can ensure a joyous, fulfilling life. “For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life” (Proverbs 6:23).

Occasionally, Proverbs provides vivid pictures of what can happen when we choose to disobey God’s laws and commands. None is clearer than the description of a young man who succumbed to an attractive female’s seductions: “With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose…little knowing it will cost him his life” (Proverbs 7:21-23).

Reports of unethical behavior and wrongdoing seem sadly commonplace these days, not only in the business world but also in the realms of politics, the news and entertainment media, and even the Church. Concerning that we find this warning:“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9).

I’ve cited this passage before, but it’s a special favorite of mine – since it pertains to a weakness I have – and it’s always worth reviewing: “In the abundance of words transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). Another verse reinforces that truth: “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” (Proverbs 17:28). I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve tried to remind myself of that.

There are numerous other examples to cite, but in view of the epidemic of arrogance and excessive pride that seems to afflict our society – on every side of the political and ideological spectrum – here are three more verses that seem appropriate:

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

“Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12).

“Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4).

These just scratch the surface. I highly recommend reading Proverbs to start off every day. It’s an inexhaustible source of wisdom for many of the issues and problems we deal with every day. As the old TV commercial used to say, “Try it. You’ll like it!”

Coping With All the Foolishness

Have you noticed foolishness on the increase in our society today? Seems it’s growing in epidemic proportions, whether on TV, social media, personal conversations, public debates, even from the pulpits of more than a few churches. Sometimes you can’t help thinking, “Huh? Say what?! Are you serious?”

I won’t get into specifics, because I’m aware that what one person perceives as foolishness is what someone else understands as good sense. Kind of like one man’s junk being another man’s treasure. But recently I came across some good suggestions on how to deal with fools and their folly whenever you encounter them.

For many years I’ve made an almost-daily practice of reading the chapter of Proverbs corresponding to the date of the month. So the day I’m writing this, I’ve turned to the 26^thchapter of Proverbs, which has much to say about fools and folly. Obviously, foolishness isn’t an innovation of the 20^th or 21^st centuries. King Solomon, who wrote much of Proverbs, had to cope with his share of fools several thousand years ago. He demonstrated foolishness at times in his own life. So he devoted portions of several chapters to sharing his conclusions.

Proverbs aren’t written as commands, but rather as principles. Or probabilities. Even if you never read any other parts of the Bible, from the book of Proverbs you can glean an abundance of insights into the human condition and practical wisdom on how to live. What struck me most as I read this particular chapter were verses 4 and 5, which at first glance seem to contradict each other. Except they don’t.

They advise, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” Uh, okay, Solomon, which is it? Should we respond to a foolish person, or not? I believe the answer the king would give is: Both.

Let’s take them one at a time. I think verse 4 is referring to folks who say something so outrageous, so off-the-wall, you’re certain they’ve just arrived from the dark side of the moon. There’s a tendency to talk down to their level in an attempt to expose their folly, but in the process we can come across as just as foolish. Being the bull-headed fellow I sometimes am, I’ve been guilty of that on more than one occasion. 

To remedy that inclination, Solomon offered this reminder: “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions” (Proverbs 18:2). Even if such a person physically hears what you’re saying, he or she isn’t listening. They’re not interested in learning, considering a different point of view, or having wrongful thinking corrected. So that’s why we’re admonished, “don’t answer a fool according to his folly.” Don’t respond in like manner.

However, that doesn’t mean we should always remain silent in the presence of foolishness. If we’re interacting with someone and strongly disagree with their statements or conclusions, we can attempt to point out their error. If we find they are receptive to ideas that differ from their own, we can have an honest, even cordial discussion.

There have been times in my life when someone was kind enough to point out foolish thinking on my part and, when I was willing to listen and mull over what they had to say, I’ve learned the error of my ways. At least I’ve discovered that just because I think or believe a certain way, that doesn’t mean other people don’t have reasons for thinking differently. 

This is why King Solomon observed, “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction” (Proverbs 16:23). I’m grateful for the times when God gave me enough wisdom to recognize my own foolishness when someone was caring enough to point it out.

“A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word” (Proverbs 15:23). As a headstrong young man, I had my share of foolishness that needed to be exposed and expelled. I praise the Lord for sending people my way who were armed with apt replies and timely words to help in setting me straight in both my thinking and my actions.

Moral of the story: When we cross paths with someone who can best be described by one of my favorite words, “knucklehead,” we can attempt to guide them to clearer thinking. But if we perceive their minds are like trapdoors, locked from the inside, give them a wide berth. “Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course” (Proverbs 15:21).

‘Christian’ and Businessman: An Oxymoron?

Seems hard to believe, but more than 34 years ago I moved to Chattanooga to join the staff of an organization then known as Christian Business Men’s Committee (CBMC). I’d been in the newspaper business as an editor and publisher for about 10 years, but the next decades taught me more about the business and professional world than if I’d earned three MBAs.

An expanded edition of Business
At Its Best has been released.

The curious thing was that for many people, faith and work seemed diametrically opposed – oxymorons, like “jumbo shrimp,” “seriously funny” or “hurry slowly.” I even heard someone say, “Christian businessman? Make up your mind – which one? You can’t be both.” And yet, my encounters with thousands of people having strong faith who also were very successful in the marketplace proved to me that matters of faith could – and should – intersect with everyday workplace issues and practices.

Through the years I realized some basic truths. Such as, from God’s perspective, there’s no distinction between “sacred” and “secular.” Everything matters to Him. And there aren’t multiple tiers, first and second classes of people when it comes to following Jesus Christ. In fact, Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive the reward of the inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

One day I was having lunch with a financial planner, a friend from church, and he blurted out, “I’d give anything to work full-time for God.” Without hesitating, I replied, “What makes you think you haven’t already done that?” He’d been seduced by the clergy/missionary vs. “layman” misconception, that to be in “Christian service” for God you must have some kind of formal religious affiliation. Again, the Bible doesn’t make such a distinction. If we’re followers of Christ, we’re all called to serve Him and others in His name, and true faith isn’t a part-time pursuit.

When the apostle Paul wrote, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ…. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord…” (Ephesians 6:5-8), he could just as easily have been addressing employees or workers. And in the next verses Paul challenges “masters” to treat those under them with equal respect and understanding. He could have been writing these words to bosses or CEOs.

This isn’t a message, however, we often hear from the sanctuary. Because many pastors have proceeded directly from college to seminary to the sanctuary, having never experienced the rigors of the contemporary workplace with its stresses, challenges and temptations. You can’t teach above where you’re living.

Thankfully, since the 1980s there’s been a virtual explosion of books on how the spiritual and the pragmatic can effectively merge. I’ve been involved in writing more than a dozen of them myself. And respected periodicals like the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Report and Business Week from time to time acknowledge there’s a place for spirituality in the 21^st century workplace.

For this reason, I’ve just re-published a book I wrote about 10 years ago, Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace. It’s my contention that the wisdom from the Bible, not only Proverbs but also many other passages in the Scriptures, applies directly to the ever-changing, high-pressure, hyper-competitive marketplace of the 21^st century.

At the urging of a good friend, I revised the original text and added 13 new chapters, expanding it to a total of 53 quick reading chapters on topics such as integrity, competition, finances, anger, guidance, communications, leadership, patience, persistence, humility, generosity and teamwork. Even gossip. At the end of each chapter I’ve included several open-ended questions called “Putting It Into Practice,” designed for both introspection and small-group discussions.

I recall one CEO stating that for years he had immersed himself in how-to books and motivational messages, seeking to learn how to become more successful. Then he encountered the Bible and before long realized more wisdom could be gleaned from its pages than all of the other books and tapes he’d spent countless hours listening to and reading. And I wholeheartedly agree.

So, at the risk of seeming a shameless self-promoter, I’d like you to check out Business At Its Best on Amazon.com and hopefully, purchase a copy. As a wise author advised me years ago, “If you’re not willing to promote your own book, then why did you write it?” If you like it, recommend it to family and friends. You might even want to give it to someone as a gift with Christmas approaching.

My favorite verse from Proverbs – my “life verse” – says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). That assurance has certainly proved true in my work and career, as well as in our family. The reason is simple: Eternal truth has no expiration date.

Do We Have a Wisdom Deficit?

The amount of knowledge available to mankind is growing exponentially, in part because of computer technology, along with our extensive use of tablets and smartphones. If you need information on virtually any topic, it’s only clicks away.

We no longer need to trudge into the library and hunt through stacks of books to find one with the exact information we need. Select the search engine you prefer, type in the appropriate words and “voila!” – there it is. And you didn’t have to drive anywhere or even get up from your chair.

In this Wikipedia Commons photo,
Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker"
seems to be contemplating
where to find wisdom.

And when was the last time you heard of anyone buying a real set of encyclopedias? We used to spend hundreds of dollars for a couple dozen volumes only to discover within a year they were already out of date. Before we knew it, the Book of Knowledge didn’t know as much as we thought it did. Now we’ve got Wikipedia and other online sources being updated constantly.

The thing about knowledge and information, however, is they’re not the same as wisdom. Yes, wisdom requires knowledge, but it’s more than that. It’s also a blend of experience, insight, and as I recently heard someone state, “just judgment.” Wisdom is the quality in a person you look for when making a critical decision – someone you can approach, lay out the circumstances and pertinent information, and then solicit their viewpoint.

My father used to say, “Some people are so smart they’re stupid.” In other words, they had intellect and a storehouse of knowledge, but didn’t know how to apply it in useful ways. They lacked wisdom. Other people might not have impressive college degrees, but they have “horse sense” –a way of slicing through extraneous details and getting to the heart of the matter to find a workable solution to a dilemma.

Today as a people, a society, even a global community, we’re beset with problems that defy resolution: Poverty, escalating violence, looming threats of terrorism, global hunger, wars, fractured families, racism and bigotry, among others. Politicians can’t seem to move beyond their partisan agendas to find answers in the best interests of all.

On a personal level, we wrestle with our own unique issues: the seemingly endless pursuit of happiness, seeking direction for everyday living, restoring troubled relationships, feelings of despair and hopelessness, searching for meaning and purpose.

These issues have confronted mankind through the centuries, but it seems we’re no closer to finding answers today, despite the amassed facts and information at our disposal. Could it be the problem is not knowledge, but a deficit of wisdom?

Where do we get this wisdom? I don’t recall seeing it on sale at Wal-Mart, Publix or Target, and I’ve never heard of a university or college offering Wisdom 101, let alone Wisdom 452. We can acquire a measure of wisdom simply through the process of living, learning from experiences good and bad, and striving to act accordingly. But there’s a time-honored source we seem to have forgotten in our increasingly secularized society – the Bible.

James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” But in large measure we’ve collectively decided we don’t need God – somehow we think we’re doing fine without Him. As a result, “You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2).

The Bible’s “book of wisdom” starts by proclaiming, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). In refusing to honor and worship God, choosing to worship the creation rather than the Creator – as the apostle Paul writes in Romans 1:25 – we deprive ourselves of the primary source of wisdom.

Proverbs 3:19 declares, “By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place.” We’re rightfully concerned with the state of our physical world, wanting to protect this earth God fashioned and entrusted to our care, but we refuse to consult Him on what we should do. Guess we’ve decided we know better than He does.

But even at the “down home” level, we desperately need wisdom for sailing the often murky waters of marriage; raising strong, stable children in an age of so many contradictory messages; handling finances in an uncertain economy; finding peace in the midst of great pain and unrest. If we’re willing to look, God has provided how-to’s in the Scriptures:

“Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:5-7). 

Who’s Fooling Whom?

Today being April Fool’s Day, I’m happy for this annual celebration of politics in Washington, D.C. Talk about taxation without representation – seems the only thing our legislators represent these days are their own personal interests. So enjoy your special day, revered “leaders”!

Of course, April Fool’s Day isn’t just for politicians. Actually, whenever this day comes around, my thoughts drift back to childhood days when we attempted to trick our friends by making them think their shoes were untied, their zippers were down, or something silly like that. “April Fools!”

But foolishness isn’t always silliness. It can be gravely serious. In fact, it’s amazing how much the Bible talks about fools, foolishness, and folly. There are hundreds of such references. People in Old Testament times must have been especially foolish. The book of Proverbs alone uses those terms dozens of times, never in a positive or flattering sense.

For instance, these passages address the apparently lethal combination of foolishness and speaking:

 “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions” (Proverbs 18:2).

“A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating” (Proverbs 18:6).

“A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul” (Proverbs 18:7).

The danger of open-mouth, insert-foot is so pervasive, the Bible suggests, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” (Proverbs 17:28).

One problem with thinking and behaving foolishly is its consequences, which aren’t limited to the perpetrators:

“Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly” (Proverbs 17:12).

“A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him” (Proverbs17:25).

The news and entertainment media seem magnets for foolish people. Watching some of the annual awards shows often looks like a parade of fools. Puffed up by arrogance and their own self-importance, celebrities seem to delight in the absurdity of their pontifications. And don’t get me started on radio talk shows!

But what’s the root of foolishness? Do people just wake up some mornings and decide, “Man, I’m going to be stupid today!” No, the issue is deeper than that. It might not be politically correct, but the Bible makes a strong case:

“A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord” (Proverbs 19:3). In other words, this person makes a mess of his circumstances, and then blames God.

In Psalm 14:1, King David of Israel declared, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’"

And the apostle Paul makes this scathing assessment: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Even though they claimed to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:21-22). Hey, I didn’t make that up. That’s what it says.

So if foolishness is such a prevalent human affliction, what’s the cure? The Bible doesn’t hedge on that either: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). It adds, “The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 15:33).

It would seem foolish not to at least give that some consideration. On April Fool’s Day, no sense in trying to be a guest of honor. 

Knowledge or Wisdom? You Choose

Proverbs is considered one of the Bible's "wisdom books."

Knowledge or wisdom – if you had to pick one or the other, which would you choose?

My father had a favorite saying to describe some people: “He’s so smart, he’s stupid.” His meaning, you might surmise, was just because individuals have a certain level of intelligence and may have acquired a substantial amount of information, that doesn’t ensure they know how to put it to use effectively.

Kind of like people that don’t have enough sense to get out of the rain.

There’s a link between wisdom and common sense. Some of the wisest people I’ve met didn’t have college degrees or a lot of what we used to call “book learning.” But if you were trying to make a decision or looking for practical advice, they were the ones I’d consult first.

One friend used to say, “I’ll never understand why, if we didn’t have time to do it right the first time, we have time to do it over again.” Another friend had a sign posted in his office, “Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.”

Maybe not quotes we'd attribute to Einstein, or Newton, or da Vinci. Not the kind of material that would make you the life of the party at a Mensa International conference. Just the same, these observations make good sense.

How do you get wisdom? Some experts say it comes from experience, the experience of making good decisions. And how do you make good decisions? By making bad ones – and learning from them, they say.

We’re about to enter a new year. For many of us that signifies a chance for a new beginning. I’m a person that likes to review the year past and set goals for the year ahead. One worthwhile goal, it seems to me, would be to grow in wisdom. But how can we do that?

The book of Proverbs offers
much to think about.

You could make a bunch of poor decisions, try to learn from them and make better decisions down the road. That might work. But a simpler, less painful way I’ve found is to regularly read from the Old Testament’s book of Proverbs, one of the Bible’s so-called “wisdom books.”

I suspect most the readers of this blog, because of its content, are already people of faith or at least spiritual interest. But even if you’re not, hear me out.

For years I’ve made a daily practice of reading the chapter from Proverbs that coincides with the date of the month. For instance, today would be the day to read chapter 31, which happens to describe an exceptional woman, the so-called “the Proverbs 31 woman.”

Tomorrow I plan to start reading again from the beginning, chapter 1, which makes the declaration, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:6). Hey, the Bible said it, I didn’t.

I've found reading Proverbs so helpful, I often make notes
in margins about key principles it presents.

Why read Proverbs over and over, month after month, year after year? Maybe it’s because I’m dense and it takes time for things to sink in. But I’ve learned reading these simple yet profound verses serve as a continual reminder of what to do and how to think, and what not to do and how not to think.

Over the course of its 31 chapters (you might have to double up occasionally in February, and in months with 30 days), it covers a wide range of topics, including anger, handling conflict, discipline, seeking counsel and guidance, sexual temptation, hard work and laziness, discipline, speech and communications, generosity, inner motives, honesty and integrity, pride and humility, the use and abuse of money, planning, security, even leaving a legacy.

Proverbs offers practical wisdom for the workplace as well as one’s personal life. Groups of business and professional people – believers and non-believers – have met regularly to discuss how principles from Proverbs apply to their careers and circumstances.

Why not give it a try? Tomorrow, just for the heck of it, read chapter 1 of Proverbs, and the next day read chapter 2. See what you think. Some of the ideas might not connect with you, but you may find a few that make you go, “Hmmm!” You might even decide to read chapter 3, out of curiosity if for no other reason.

If you try it, let me know how it goes.