The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice.
Summary: In this classic passage Solomon sums up the course of human events. Fools have all the answers (they think) and the wise are always looking for more.
This proverb is a classic! It certainly describes me when I am feeling bullheaded. It also describes many people I have run into throughout my life.
We all have a vision problem. We see the world as if we were looking through a paper tube. It is like the blinders that horses sometimes wear except worse. A horse with blinders can see up or down. All we can see is whatever is directly in front of the paper tube.
Some people know they are looking at life through a tube. Others think what they see through the tube is all there is to see. These are the two kinds of people Solomon is talking about today.
Wise people are the ones who know there are things they cannot see. They listen to what others say and it helps them build a more accurate picture of the world in their mind. It is like drawing a map. An explorer has to first go explore, and then they have to write down what they find on a piece of paper. Our world has been so well explored now that there are very few places on the surface of the earth that have not been explored. Our maps are very good.
The maps that need work are our personal mind-maps. These are the “maps” that we make showing what we discover as we go through life. The wise are like the early explorers who shared maps and information. Borrowing someone else’s map allows us to know things we might not know on our own. Of course, we need to verify that a map is correct before we put too much faith in it.
The “fool” Solomon writes about is someone who disdains what other people have discovered. If they themselves haven’t discovered it, then whatever “it” is doesn’t exist. They limit the scope of human knowledge to their own personal beliefs.
When a fool and a wise person run into each other, the result is predictable. The fool has no time to listen and is very sure of themselves. The wise one “listens” and recognizes the fool for what he is. The wise go their way and the fool is left thinking that they are the smartest person in the room. Of course, by the time that is true, they are the only person in the room.
Application: Be open to new information, but beware of fools.
Food for Thought: After the wise have listened to advice, what do they do with it?
The wise check the advice against what they know is true. They apply what is good and leave what is not. And they continue to evaluate if their experience with the application makes the advice accurate or not.
Thank you, A!
Well said.
07-14-2022, Proverbs 12:15, After the wise have listened to advice, what do they do with it?
Seek guidance from the Lord regarding the advice. How reliable is the source, how does the advice align with what you already know to be true, and how do sources you trust evaluate the advice given.
Proverbs 3:5-6,
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 14:15
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
Thanks Ron!
Checking with the Lord is something that David did very well. I strive to do the same and I wish I did it better! 🙂
We are all works in progress, amazed at our God’s patience with us!
It has already been mentioned in the chain, but they will check all advice through the grid of Scripture. Then the advice that is biblical should be acted on with personal application. Without the personal application it is useless. James 1: 22 – 25.
Excellent words, Rich.
Be a doer!
👍