Here’s a general observation that you may possibly find offensive: The foolishness of mankind is everywhere we turn!
By that statement, I’m not saying we are all foolish, yet in my opinion we all do foolish things.
If you truly have an open mind, you must admit we’ve all made foolish choices and there’s a very good chance more foolish actions will soon follow.
I’ve always been intrigued by human behavior. Mankind continues to surprise me with its ability to react and respond in the most bizarre ways.
Interestingly, one’s age does not necessarily equate with our foolish tendencies. There are plenty of older folks who seem to be experts at acting foolishly.
I suspect some do it for attention and a good chuckle. Others seem to just gravitate toward precarious actions with reckless abandon — perhaps out of disgust for authority.
Often the heart simply takes over our head’s better judgment.
Biblical Lessons on Foolishness
Our local church has tasked our members with reading through the five books of Moses (best known as the Pentateuch and Torah) this year.
Here’s what that task means to me as we muddle our way through the Book of Leviticus:
The Lord Almighty wants His people to observe and follow His law as best we can. He does not expect perfection, but He desires our total obedience. He abhors foolish behavior and selfish motives.
The five books of Moses amply chronicles the foolishness of God’s chosen people.
In an ongoing study of the Book of Isaiah, the prophet confronts King Hezekiah with his foolish actions following God’s healing and promise for 15 years of extended life.
Upon receiving gifts from the Babylonian king not long after his miraculous healing, Hezekiah proudly reveals all his treasures to the Babylonian envoy bearing gifts.
In Isaiah 39:4, listen to Isaiah’s prophetic response to the king upon hearing what he had done without counsel in Isaiah 39:4:
“The prophet asked, ‘What did they see in your palace?’ ‘They saw everything in my palace.’ Hezekiah said. ‘There is nothing among my treasures I did not show them.’”
Now listen to Isaiah’s sober response in verses 5-7:
“Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, ‘Hear the word of the Lord Almighty: The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left says the Lord. And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’”
Avoiding Foolishness in Christian Life
Let’s turn to Paul’s letter to Titus who oversaw the Christian believers on the Isle of Crete.
In Titus 3:9-11, he instructs, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”
Foolishness has its consequences. We would be wise to follow the ways of our Lord and live accordingly.
Such actions will be profitable in business and all aspects of our lives. Be good stewards of the Lord!