Common sense seems to be more of a rarity than common. It's seems like it's so lost in translation that it has become more of a second language. What does it mean to be a know it all versus having wisdom?
Proverbs 26:4 "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him." The ones we hear the most are not always the most knowledgeable. In this verse, it talks about arguing with a fool. The fool has no thought to his antics. He is only led by mostly arrogance and ignorance. So why even entertain them with an answer? If we choose to go along with them, we look just like them. What is better? A quick answer, or the right answer? A wise man studies to answer, but a fool blurts out whatever comes to mind. Train your ears and mouth to appreciate studied answers.
A friend once told me that if you are the smartest person in the room, then you need to change your circle of friends because you will not learn anything. I totally understand that saying. When you are not learning, you are not living. When you are not living, you are dying. Once we can understand that, we can really start to live. Now to dig deeper into that statement, which life are you trying to live? If you choose to have eternal life, we have to gain knowledge of Christ and his teachings. If you choose to only learn the way of the world, then your life will end with it. Think about that.
Matthew 12:37 "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Be careful what you say. Words can heal as well as hurt anything in it's path. It has no bias. Allow yourself to speak angrily, and you will say the greatest thing you will ever regret. Speak with meaning and compassion, and depth and compassion will be reciprocated. One of my most favorite sayings is, "It's hard to be deep in shallow waters." So when we talk to others, let us think to ourselves how
George Carlin was famous for the quote “Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.” Lowering yourself to that of an idiot bring you down to their level because idiots never fight battles they can’t win. Thus, confirming Carlin’s quote.
ReplyDeleteThe bible says a plethora things in regards to a wise man and a fool. Most importantly, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instructions,” Proverbs 1:7. To have knowledge is to have favor with the Lord. If a man despises wisdom, essentially he despises God. Don’t argue with a fool, the truth isn’t in him and neither is God. Moreover, “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds back,” Proverbs 29:11. Meaning an idiot is going to showcase their ignorance whereas a wise man waits quietly for his turn. Guilty as charge, often we argue with fools because we cannot believe how stupid they are. Our punishment is embarrassing ourselves because they are well seasoned at the game of idiocies. Nevertheless we must remember WWJD (What Would Jesus Do).
As a child, I remember kids taunting each other with the phrase, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” but this phrase is a lie. The bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruits,” Proverbs 18:21. Meaning, you can have whatever you say. I agree with your statement in regards to being careful about what you say. Once you speak something you can never take it back. It’s more rewarding to speak with compassion and depth and far too easy to speak in a crass-like manner. What are we gaining by speaking death to others? Nothing. Speak life into others and life will be spoken to you. Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue.
-Simone