Wisdom is the interpretation and application of knowledge. Foolishness is the inability to do either one with knowledge. When I am acting foolishly, I am not thinking clearly or considering future consequences or outcomes. Worse, I am acting selfishly–which is never wise.
I Corinthians 1:21
For when the world with all its earthly wisdom failed to perceive and recognize and know God by means of its own philosophy, God in His wisdom was pleased through the foolishness of preaching [salvation, procured by Christ and to be had through Him], to save those who believed (who clung to and trusted in and relied on Him). [Amplified]
According to James 1:5, wisdom is a gift while foolishness is nothing more than human frailty (the default).
With wisdom, we can adapt to change, we can process struggle, we can build on mistakes.
Why wouldn’t everyone want wisdom? Why don’t we ask for wisdom every day? Why don’t seek wisdom? Why don’t we hunger and thirst for wisdom?
Why don’t I?
The first Bible study I started was on wisdom. I learned so much during that time, but I didn’t use that information wisely (how ironic). I didn’t build on the foundation.
I think there are a lot of building blocks that are set in place throughout our lives but we don’t take advantage of them. Many experiences in my life came to an unworthy demise: relationships (a family who loved me in Germany during a student exchange, friends from high school, friends from college, friends from Chicago, friends from Atlanta, friends from New York — all lost to me); skills (playing guitar, speaking German or sign language, playing piano); and creative pursuits (plays, articles, and stories I have written, ideas lost, crafts started and stalled). I responded to all of these events foolishly.
Wisdom would have integrated my events, people and experiences into a wholeness that continues to elude me after all these years.
But here’s the good news. Wisdom is unconcerned about my age or place in time. Wisdom is still here to lift me up. Wisdom is my sister. “Wisdom calls aloud in the street . . . [Proverbs 1:5a]. She is patient, like her other selves in God. She is willing to take me with her. She is here now
Come sweet sister and manifest in me this day.
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