LEARNING DAILY

Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 12:15, The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a person who listens to advice is wise.

The “fool” is not one who lacks intelligence, but one who refuses to allow sound advice to penetrate that thing called a brain. It is the main reason the person does not respond to godly truth. The book of Proverbs mentions the “fool” about forty times and is usually contrasted with the wise. The fool is mentioned as one who is too busy talking to learn anything (10:14). One who speaks poorly about another (10:18). One who does not take sin seriously (10:23). One who rejects the advice of others and listens only to himself (12:15). One who is proud of his wrong actions (13:16). One who does not listen to or obey his parents (14:5). And one who does not learn from his mistakes (26:11). Do you get the idea?

The two verses I chose, focus on the aspect of the problem of arrogance and the quality of humility. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” is the person who is blinded by their own self-perception. It is the attitude that another person’s viewpoint is not as important as their own. The contrast is given as well, “but a person who listens to advice is wise.” A wise person willingly acknowledges his limitations and seeks out help or counsel from others.

The last part of Proverb 1:7 says, “fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Being right in their own eyes, the fool does not need the wisdom or instruction of others. The “fool” will neglect God who has infinite wisdom which results in missing out on His wisdom; he will not follow the warnings and commands of God. The descriptions of the “fool” above then apply to this individual. The Word of God is clear we are to avoid living as a fool by fearing God, walking the narrow way in His wisdom, and be obedient to what He says.

Believers are encouraged to seek out individuals who encourage wisdom and integrity when choices are to be made; there are long-term consequences for choices made. At the same time, Believers are to be wise about who they receive counsel from. Be careful that the company you keep aligns with righteousness and truth. The Believer’s insights may be limited and biased which lead them to making decisions that are not always best. Seeking different viewpoints help gain viewpoints and insight that help make wiser choices.

All of us have known the “fool”, the one who does not follow the warnings and command of God because he/she lacks wisdom, has no concern for others, and has no desire to avoid sin. God’s Word is clear! “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe” (Proverbs 28:26, NIV). Do not be a “fool”!