Today’s scripture: Proverbs 13:9-16 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
I am convinced that no other Old Testament book, and perhaps no book in the whole Bible, gives us greater insight into the will of God than does the Book of Proverbs. That fact, however, does not always mean that these little disconnected nuggets are easy to follow and understand.
This particular passage had me stuck. I wasn’t really sure what to make of it. All I saw was a random list of wise sayings. At the end of the list all I could say was, “Okay, I agree.” But verse 16 jumped out: All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. And it got me wondering — am I prudent or am I a fool? And if I’m a fool — is my folly exposed? I had to know more.
I, for one, could not actually consider myself prudent in its most basic definition. Money and I don’t have the best relationship. However, does that necessarily make me a fool? Proverbs 22:3 says The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. So by that definition I can say that I am indeed prudent. There are times when I can clearly see danger ahead or think to myself, if I go there or hang out with that person there will surely be trouble. I am sure we have all had that experience. My grandmother used to say, “”You don’t get to be old bein’ no fool.” I like that saying and as I get older I find it to be very true. Grandmother had lots of nuggets of wisdom like that. In fact, had you known her you might have found it hard to believe that she only had an 8th grade education. Due to her lack of education some may have branded her a fool.
Our culture doesn’t think much of fools. If someone called you a fool, I suspect you would not feel complimented and admired. In fact, the primary definition of the word is “a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.” I have to tell you, I’ve had nicer introductions than that. No, there are many words we would rather have used in describing us.
However, when we read 1 Corinthians 3:18, we get a refreshing view of what being a fool actually is. Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. Paul wants us to understand that true wisdom is found only in Christ, and it is rooted in the reality of the cross. Out of brutal death has come eternal life. What the world considers foolish is actually the greatest wisdom we can ever obtain. Jews seek truth in the Law and Gentiles seek truth in their own minds, says Paul, but the truth of God is found in the sacrificial, atoning death of Jesus Christ. What makes no sense from a human perspective is the greatest truth anyone could ever discover.
Prayer for the day: God, help me to find wisdom and prudence in Christ.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.