Fools

April 1^st is commonly known as April Fools’ Day.

Some may refer to it by its older name: All Fool’s Day.

It is a day on which many people play practical jokes on their unsuspecting friends.

This is usually done in a spirit of fun.

But, when you get down to it, being a fool is a serious matter.

Scripture gives us numerous reminders about the dangers of being a fool.

Jesus told a parable about the difference between hearing and doing.

While many hear His words, not as many live by them.

To this, Jesus offers a stern warning.

Matthew 7:26-27 (NET) - Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, and it collapsed—it was utterly destroyed!

The Old Testament also cautions against being a fool.

The Book of Proverbs cautions against speaking foolishly.

Proverbs 18:7 (NET) - The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life.

The Book of Ecclesiastes cautions against the foolishness of anger.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NET) - Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Perhaps the sternest warning regarding foolishness is recorded in Psalm 14.

Psalm 14:1 (NET) - Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.” They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right.

This was true in the time of the Psalmist.

It remains true in our time.

Many choose to believe there is no God.

Some prefer to think that they are in command of their lives and destinies.

Some choose to believe that this world is all that there is.

Some even choose to believe that nothing at all matters.

But what we choose to believe does matter.

And whom we choose to believe in matters most of all.

The Psalmist addresses this also.

Psalm 14:2 (NET) - The Lord looks down from heaven at the human race, to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

We find the times in which we live to be chaotic.

Headlines warn us of disease, warfare, sanctions, and shortages.

So, what we choose to believe and whom we choose to believe in really does matter.

Do not be fooled.

More importantly, do not be a fool.

In the end, the choice is ours to make.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, April 8, 2022.

I will be back here on Friday, April 15, 2022