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Foolishness versus Wisdom
| Foolishness is bound
in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far
from him. - Proverbs 22:15
One quality of childhood that stands out is foolishness. Another
quality is selfishness. These overlap in that the amusement (from the
Greek, without thinking) is a stimulation that is pleasant. Consider
that the Three Stooges are entertaining to 7-8 year olds while the
1960s TV show The Monkeys was amusting to junior high school students.
As people mature, one would expect their amusements would also mature.
The Proverb that says that a rod of correction can drive away
foolishness. is interesting. The implication is that a fear of reality
can draw one out of foolishness. In a way being forced out of selfish
indulgences to consider external consequences can be therapeutic. One
might see from this qualities to be inferred in the opposite of
foolishness, wisdom. Wisdom might consist of other orientation that
self indulgence. Wisdom might be considered maturity over infancy.
Wisdom might deal more with reality that flights of fancy.
Foolishness lies in the consumption of imaginings,
entertainments, amusements, and other stimulations of the flesh. Wisdom
consists of the unchangeable and absolute truth that comes from God who
is truth. With our free will we can choose a path of stimulation or a
path of seeking truth.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. -
James 1:5
Just as a child will do almost anything to get more sugar, a fool will
do almost anything to get more stimulation. One might consider the
changes God made after the flood such as a shorter lifespan,
susceptibility to disease, and environmental changes such as winters,
and droughts to be a “rod of correction” that would force us to face
reality, seek truth, and care for each other. Without such penalties we
seem to always drift back to foolishness.
One might wonder with all of the advantages why more people do not
choose to pursue wisdom. Wisdom, reality, and truth are not always fun.
Additionally, they can be difficult to discern. Foolishness can be easy
and produce pleasant sensations. This contrast can be seen with credit
cards. It can be fun to accumulate debt, but it is not fun to pay it
off.
Maturity comes from the satisfactions of increased understanding and
the control one can exercise of his own life. Being able to discern and
avoid hazards as well as building a satisfying life can be out of reach
to those who retain a desire for the pursuit of fun and
self-stimulation.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I
thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish
things. - Corinthians 13:11 |
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