Sunday, November 21, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 14:7-10, we learned that we should try to avoid fools, foolishness, unrighteous behavior, and bitterness. Foolish people will eventually bring us down. Solomon advised his readers to get away and stay away from those who are foolish. He used the word "man" in the verse, but we should also avoid foolish women. How can we recognize a foolish person? First, those who deny the existence of God are foolish. Psalms 14:1 says, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." In the original Greek text, though, it is important to note that the words "There is" do not appear with the rest of the verse. Hence, the writer was actually saying, or maybe also saying, that those who tell God no are foolish, too. Proverbs 10:8 says, "The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall." Next, in still trying to identify fools, the Bible says that the foolish refuse commandments and balk at correction. They are people who do not value the truth. They tell lies, they live lies before others, and they do not care if their lies hurt other people. Proverbs 10:18 says, "He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool." Next, fools find pleasure in misbehaving. Solomon wrote in verse nine that fools make sin into a joke. In Proverbs 10:23, the Bible says, "It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom."
There is, however, a contrasting side to this discussion of fools. Proverbs 12:15 says, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." The fool is consumed with a wrongful lifestyle, but those who listen to God and His Word and heed the wisdom and counsel of godly people will be wise and profit. Solomon pronounced doom upon evildoing, foolish people, but he announced that the wise, godly person would be blessed. Moses was someone who could have foolishly pursued the riches of the High Courts of Egypt. He had position, favor, and opportunity before the rulers of that foreign land. However, Hebrews 11:24-27 says, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." As Moses did, we should also strive to live as people who can see the One Who is invisible. Last but not least, fools can and often do hide their bitterness. Matthew Henry wrote, "We do not know what stings of conscience, or consuming passions, torment the prosperous sinner. Nor does the world know the peace of mind a serious Christian enjoys, even in poverty and sickness."
The easy, peaceful, joyful life consists of following the Lord in all things. When we stray from the straight and narrow pathways of life, we open ourselves up for wrong, foolish behavior. Therefore, we should try to live Christ-edifying lives and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us through the difficult, tricky times. In the coming week, reflect on these Bible truths and try to be the person that the Lord wants you to be.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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