Annoying Weights

There is nothing that weighs more than the words of a fool. However, a wise man’s words have weight that are a relief, not a burden. During the time leading up to our national election, there are many fools that seem to love to provoke. One common element is that fools don’t realize their folly. They think they are wise.

I would rather have one ounce of a wise man’s words than a million pounds of a fool’s words. The world seems to choose the fool’s words, not realizing they are not useful or true.

There is a simple test to discern the difference between a fool and someone who is wise. It is to measure their words against what God has said and God’s wisdom. We were created to be image bearers. That is, we are to be like God in character, words, and actions. Fools are the exact opposite of God (or at best a caricature of God.) They have a “wisdom” that appears wise but is really foolishness.

The fool may seem to triumph in the immediate future. Sadly, their triumph is actually their downfall. “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness.’” 1 Corinthians 3:19

When God “catches the wise” it is revealing. We have wisdom in our own eyes, and put great weight on our own wisdom. The truly wise realize that they lack wisdom and ask God for his.

So while you may be burdened by the many fools who annoy, remember their end. This is just temporary: “A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.” Proverbs 27:3 The fool will not succeed when he is weighed by his Creator.

How to Identify a Follower of Jesus

They speak with wisdom that originates from God because of the word of Christ in their lives. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.