A wise child makes a glad father, but a foolish child is a mother’s grief. Proverbs 10:1 (NRSV)

The caption for Proverbs 10 is “The Proverbs of Solomon.” Two predominant themes emerge from the thirty-two verses of this chapter. The first is wisdom vs. foolishness. The second is righteousness vs. wickedness. Today we will focus on wisdom vs. foolishness.

The wise of heart will heed commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Proverbs 10:8

On the lips of one who has understanding wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of one who lacks sense. Proverbs 10:13

The wise lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin near. Proverbs 10:14

Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but one who rejects a rebuke goes astray. Proverbs 10:17

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if God gave us wisdom like we were given blond hair … green eyes … or sizeable length so that we grow to be tall? Those things are given to us as God “formed our inward parts … and knit us together in our mothers’.” (adapted from Psalm 139:13)

We are given minds that allow us to imagine, to learn, to remember, and to think. We gain wisdom as we learn lessons that are taught, as we profit by our experiences, as we realize what to expect when we don’t follow instructions, or when we disobey the rules. Wisdom is something we acquire. Wisdom is within our grasp, but we must work to gain it. Wisdom is within our grasp, but we must seize it!

As I recall my school days, I may have had ADD before it was known. Even in the first grade there is a photograph of my class with everyone including the teacher looking ahead and I am looking behind me … and I was on the back row! I may have just been a great daydreamer who often looked out the window when I should have been paying attention. I suppose I was foolish at times in not making the most of my opportunity to get an education and to do better than my grades showed. Great thing is that it is never too late to learn. Carpe diem! Seize the day to gain wisdom and understanding!

Prayer

Dear God, we thank You for giving us minds so that we can imagine, learn, remember, and think. Guard us from acting foolish! Help us to seize each day so that we may gain in wisdom and understanding … even long after our school days are past. This we humbly ask in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord and Teacher. Amen.