“The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of [shortsighted] fools is deceit”

Proverbs 14:8 AMP

As we begin today, I am reminded of the words the Apostle Paul wrote to a young man beginning his ministry.

“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 16But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness,”

2 Timothy 2:15-16 AMP

Growth in our new Christian life is in many ways our own responsibility. We are not called to follow a denomination although structure and organization is not inherently evil. We are not called to follow a man in a pulpit and blindly accept everything he preaches. We are not even called to follow our own wisdom as we remember,

“There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death.”

Proverbs 14:12 AMP

The Scripture clearly commands us to “study” and “do” by accurately and skillfully handling the Word of God. In our opening verse we see the word wisdom. This is not the word we generally think about when we hear that word. Many other languages have various words to depict subtle differences in interpretation of specific words. The word used in our verse is a military word meaning to “have a plan for war.” No commander would head into battle unless he had planned, prepared, and practiced his strategy. The next word we encounter is “sensible.” Here the word defines some who is “prudent, shrewd, discerning, and sensible. It also can be translated “pertaining to wisdom and shrewdness in the management of affairs demonstrating a capacity for understanding.” Now I want to point of that the word “shrewd” does not mean deceptive practices. It means to be sharp, attentive, and perceptive.” We read further ahead in Proverbs,

“Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge, But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see].”

Proverbs 16:13 AMP

The end of our verse tells us that the foolishness of the fool is “deceit”. The word deceit here is the Hebrew word meaning to “be in a in a state devoid of wisdom and understanding with a focus on the evil behaviors which occur in that state.” Boy, can I get an amen on that one! Just look at what is happening in our country and around the world. The fools are running the show! Evil has become the new standard for good and good has become the new standard for evil! The fool is inflamed by his wickedness and driven to his own destruction. The Scripture paints the perfect picture of our current situation.

“Even though you pound a [hardened, arrogant] fool [who rejects wisdom] in a mortar with a pestle like grain, Yet his foolishness will not leave him.”

Proverbs 27:22 AMP

I don’t mean to be so harsh today, but we are talking about life or death! Only a fool would light a match inside of a tanker filled with gasoline but that is exactly where we see our society today. The key today is found in the word “understand.” The wise man seeks to understand truth and apply it his or her life! How do we accomplish that? Only through the Word of God!

“Therefore I urge you, [b]brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [c]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”

Romans 12:2 AMP

Have a blessed and transformational day! Pastor Ken