I’d Rather Be A Fool
Read Time / 2 Minutes
Theme / Wise Living
“The older I get the more I realize I don’t know very much.”
It was late in the evening while one of the church elders and I were chatting about life in the cafe of our church. As we began to part ways, he mumbled this statement that I reflect on to this day. As I have enter my thirties, I agree, the older I get the more I realize I too don’t know very much.
Learning also seems to have this effect. One of histories most influential physicists, who you may have heard of, Albert Einstein, says it, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.” King Solomon, who had tremendous wealth and wisdom, speaks in Proverbs 26 to the importance of learning by sharing a story — a story about a fool.
Let’s set the stage, Proverbs 26:7-11 states:
Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.
Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.
As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
One may extrapolate from these verses a fool is useless, harmful, destructive, and flat out nonsensical. At this point, I’m thinking a fool is pretty dumb and I’m thankful (and secretly hoping) I’m not a fool in the eyes of the Lord. But, here’s where it get’s interesting; God checks the heart in the next verse:
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Prov. 26:12)
Ouch! Right as I was starting to feel good about myself, the Lord, in His mercy, extends humility. Yes, being a fool has many negative connotations, but being wise in our own eyes seems to have a greater eternal consequence.
If you woke up today, you are human, and that means it’s likely going to be natural to lean on our own understanding. Yet, this verse reminds us the importance of fighting to remain learners. While pride will lead us to hopefulness (Prov. 26:12), humility gifts us wisdom and, in turn, restores hope.
Lord, may You keep us a people who finds joy in learning and may You restore our energy so we can maintain a heart of curiosity.
Ryan De Amicis
Wealth Advisor
408.758.6413
ryan@christianwm.com
