“Foolishness is joy to him who is without heart and lacks [intelligent, common] sense, But a man of understanding walks uprightly [making his course straight].”

Proverbs 15:21 AMP

Interesting verse of Scripture this morning. The first statement surely describes the mocker of today. Those who embrace a lifestyle of sin are seemingly happy to practice unrighteousness and persecute those who do. The word foolish here is the Hebrew word meaning “to be in a state of devoid of wisdom and understanding, with a laser focus on evil behavior which is a result of being in this state.” Notice again that we are dealing with issues of morality and right living. Needless to say that in the are of natural knowledge, science, math, physics, there are laws that govern the operation of the universe. Those laws cannot be violated without reaping immediate consequences. Man can try to change his definition of those rules, but they will always stand firm. We see this with the attempt to redefine gender. It is not rocket science to acknowledge the fact of biology that there are only two options xx and xy! Our verse today tells us that those who ignore the facts are walking in the foolishness of their own minds! I love the amplified version description of them, “without heart and lacking intelligent common sense.” We must remember however that the unregenerated man is not to blame for his condition. Sin is what is perverting his understanding and leading him unto destruction. Remember what the Holy Spirit said thorough the Apostle Paul:

“But [in fact] their minds were hardened [for they had lost the ability to understand]; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed [only] in Christ.”

2 Corinthians 3:14 AMP

Many times we want to become angry about the condition of people today when in reality it should be driving us to our knees interceding for them! Those of us who have realized that we were walking in sin have had the opportunity to make it right. The Holy Spirit opened our eyes to our condition, and we responded. The book of Psalms tells us that,

“O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, Nor discipline me in Your burning anger. 2For Your arrows have sunk into me and penetrate deeply, And Your hand has pressed down on me and greatly disciplined me. 3There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; There is no health in my bones because of my sin.4For my iniquities have gone over my head [like the waves of a flood]; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me. 5My wounds are loathsome and foul Because of my foolishness. 6I am bent over and greatly bowed down; I go about mourning all day long. 7For my sides are filled with burning, And there is no health in my flesh.8I am numb and greatly bruised [deadly cold and completely worn out]; I groan because of the disquiet and moaning of my heart.”

Psalms 38:1-8 AMP

I think of a better description of what happened to me the night I met Christ! It was only because of that encounter I was empowered to change my life from sinful destruction to productive righteousness. Once I surrendered to God, He was able to that broken and strife and make something beautiful of my life. The second half of the verse then revels that when we are walking in a true understanding of God’s ways we prosper! The word “walks uprightly” is the word meaning to be “smooth, upright, manageable, easy; to practice justice and righteousness.” Isn’t it funny that everyone today is crying for justice? The only true place of justice and freedom is in Chirst at the foot of His cross. This however goes against everything the flesh wants!

“For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other [continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always] do whatever [good things] you want to do.” Galatians 5:17 AMP

Do you desire diversity, inclusiveness, and equity? Look to the One who paid the price for your sin be ye free! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken