Rejecting Wisdom Is What Fools Do!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 NIV

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:5-7 NIV

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? Proverbs 8:1 NIV

for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:11 NIV

Whenever we need to grasp a better understanding of what we are seeing in Washington, DC, reading Proverbs reminds us that those who lack wisdom are the fools in charge–for now.

How did this happen? Gullible people–fearful, hateful, and spiteful–decided to believe all the disinformation and misinformation promoted by the racist bigots with the help of Russian trolls.

Though many did not like Hillary Clinton (actually hated her), they hated her without justification based upon the political, tribal agenda of the Republicans. Had they listened to her, and accepted the wisdom they did not agree with–this country would not be a laughingstock in the eyes of other nations. Whether people liked her or not–she told us exactly what would happen if the menace in the White House was elected.

She warned of his being triggered by tweets.

She warned of his authoritarian–dictatorial mentality.

She warned us that he would lie about any and everything.

She warned us that his hatred would reign in his decisions.

She warned us that any tax reform would only benefit the rich.

She warned us that millions would be without adequate healthcare.

She warned us that budget slashes would affect the poor and the needy.

She warned us that he would turn on the LGBQT community.

She warned us that he was Putin’s puppet.

She warned us that his ego would lead us into places wise men would not go.

Isn’t it amazing how God references wisdom in the “feminine” voice! This refutes the notion that God views women as inferior to men.

Since we cannot go back in time and change anything, it is time we sought wisdom and stopped thinking we know it all–like the rest of the fools.

Obtaining wisdom leads us to understanding why right-wing evangelicals felt the need to lie to their congregations and are still lying to America–at those to those who bother to listen to them.

Obtaining wisdom leads us to understanding why we should never take our democracy for granted since we see the results of a wanna-be dictator trying to dismantle our Constitution.

Obtaining wisdom leads us to understanding why we should research information for ourselves and not allow the opinions of a few–especially those with distorted views–feed us information that will eventually lead to our destruction.

Obtaining wisdom leads us to listening to those who are far wiser than we are, whether we agree with them or not–it should make us stop and think–critically–of what it is we’re hearing.

Hopefully, we have seen so much foolishness that we will certainly acquire the wisdom needed to right the wrongs and set America back on the track of greatness and honor. We can exercise wisdom in the coming elections by analyzing what has occurred and concluding what could result if the party of grand old prevaricators stay in power. They have proven they will not uphold their oaths of office and do their job by covering for the pathological liar, making excuses for his incompetence and hatefulness.

Determine now–that never again–will we allow anyone to mislead us and encourage us to vote for political candidate out of hatred, bigotry and fear. For the those of us who claim to be Christians–we should know, “perfect love cast out fear.” Where there is fear, a fearful heart, and unjustifiable fear of people–there is no love. Where there is no love, people live in darkness for love is light in dark places. Where there is love–unconditionally–for all people–there is no room for hatred and bigotry.

Determine now–that we will walk in love towards all people–endeavoring to live at peace with the world, learning to disagree, agreeably–not with malice in our hearts. We will walk in wisdom in coming elections–voting for the person who cares about all people–not just a group–and one who consider policies that benefit all–not just some. America is “one nation” composed of many diverse people–all of whom have much to contribute to our society and our ability to thrive as a nation.

The person we next elect as president of the “United” (not separated/divided) States of America should be an Everyday American who knows and understands the struggles and challenges of Everyday Americans and one who will fight for the rights of all Everyday Americans without denigrating or maligning others.

I am an Everyday American. I cherish and embrace wisdom and know how to reject foolishness. I know I can serve the needs of all Everyday Americans regardless of political affiliations, gender, ethnicity, or faith. My loyalty will be to the people, not a party and I will work with all who choose to serve Americans.

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Fools and Boasting!

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; and outsider, and not your own lips. Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. Proverbs 27:1-3 NIV

Whenever we have to promote ourselves as being, “the greatest, the best, the most wonderful,” of anything–we indicate we do not trust the judgment of others.

If we take an honest look at the path trump has taken to the White House, we find (with careful scrutiny) he has been his own public relations promoter. The fact he lies about it is another issue, but he is the one who “called the press” and boasted of his exploits. He is the one who proclaims his net worth (which varies according to his feelings). He is the one who claims he is the only who can “fix the ills of the world.” More recently, his claim to coining the phrase, “priming the pump” is so ludicrous that many–including me–laughed at his lack of understanding of history. He also claims that “using solar panels to build a wall” is his idea when he actually got it from two contractors who were bidding for the contract. His claims also include having influence over Carrier and Ford and other companies when in fact, decisions made by those companies occurred long before trump was elected, but it didn’t stop him from trying to take credit for those company’s decisions.

Let’s face it–whenever people boast of their own prowess and knowledge–it’s because it would be difficult for others to do it–without evidence to document what they say.

Since it would be “gossiping” to some extent to talk about other people, I have to use myself as an example. I have seldom commented on how others perceive my ability to teach because I don’t know what they’re thinking unless they tell me. I love to teach and I have one goal when I teach–to make sure those sitting in front of me know more than when they first attended class. I tell each class–I’m there to help them to succeed since they need no help to fail.

According to my students–at least those who passed my classes–my goal was met. Those who didn’t pass the class either were slothful in attendance and did not complete required work.

Whenever I’ve been observed by colleagues or those in academic positions to observe me as part of an evaluative process, I’ve always been commended on my approach to teaching and engaging students in the process. Those written comments are documented as part of my employee file.

The student evaluations also document my ability to engage students in the process of learning as well as my own audit of every class. I always ask my students for their input on how things are progressing, what they need to know that has not been introduced, or if I need to try a different approach to information discussed. Their responses to my inquiries are always helpful and in a few instances, I’ve adjusted what I do based on their comments.

As another testament to my teaching ability, I was nominated by students to be included in the “Who’s Who of Teaching” for several years in a row.

If I had to assess my own abilities as a teacher I’d have to say, “I’m not the person to ask.” I love teaching and I love what I teach both in a secular settings and in ministry. I’ve been told I’ve very passionate when I present information and guide discussions and that would be true. If I didn’t have strong beliefs in what I do, I couldn’t do it well.

That being said, I have nothing to boast about when it comes to being president of the United States. I haven’t been in politics before now, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and opportunity to serve Everyday Americans. I know enough about leadership not to provoke those who are in alliance with me and to not abandon those who are looking for a leader to lead for all–not just some of the people, and to seek those who know more than I do to place in positions of authority.

 

A Fool and His Folly!

For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly. Proverbs 5:23 NIV

All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. Proverbs 13:16 NIV

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Proverbs 14:8 NIV

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Proverbs 14:29 NIV

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Proverbs 15:2 NIV

The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:14 NIV

Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. Proverbs 15:21 NIV

Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. Proverbs 16:22 NIV

A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the LORD. Proverbs 19:3 NIV

The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker. Proverbs 24:9 NIV

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Proverbs 26:4 NIV

Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. Proverbs 26:5

As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. Proverbs 26:11 NIV

I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. Ecclesiastes 2:13 NIV

At the beginning their words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness— Ecclesiastes 10:13 NIV

But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. 2 Timothy 3:9 NIV

The Word of God addresses the situation in the White House far better than I ever could. We have but to look at how actions led by the #WHidiot to see how The Word is revealed in all they do.

The end is not yet–we must be determined and persist and insist that Congress do its job and relieve us (all Americans) from the possibility of danger exacerbated by a fool and his follies. #Resistthefool and #Persist in pushing for the investigation of #trumprussia.

God is watching and He knows all there is to know and since He is truth, truth will be revealed for all the world to see.

If there was anyone in the White House or on Capitol Hill with integrity or honor, we would not have to suffer the foolishness of fools because they would simply admit their wrongdoing and we could all move on.

Fools and Money

A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the family. The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn. Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool. Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them. Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly. Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good. Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both. Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor. Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble. The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice. Proverbs 17:2-20, 23 NIV

A Wicked Person listens to deceitful lips, a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue!

Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?

Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

The wicked accepts bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.

One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.

If we lived according to The Word, how much better would the lives of all be? Since we don’t, we continue to have problems and make problems for years to come for those who have had no input into the workings of the world.

When those in authority do not understand setting priorities, they create unnecessary burdens for others to shoulder.

Americans–in order to continue promoting ourselves as a competitive nation and one who harbors concern for all of its citizens–need access to a quality education and healthcare; our older citizens who have paid into Social Security and Medicare need those resources preserved; we all need to be able to breathe clear air and drink clean water.

Taxpayers do not need to pay a wall they cannot use for daily living.

Politicians need to exercise wisdom in all matters–keeping in mind–they work for the people and every decision made should be in the best interest of the people–not their personal agendas–to control others.

Recognizing The Fool!

From The Word–NIV Translation–the fool is described mostly in Proverbs.

The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. Proverbs 10:1

The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense. The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.  Proverbs 10:8-14

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool. Proverbs 10:17,18

The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. 10:21

A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom. 10:23

Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. 14:7

The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. 14:16

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 15:2

The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 15:14

Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! 17:7

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. 20:3

Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. 26:5

“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth!” 30:32

No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected. Isaiah 32:5

In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool.2 Corinthians 11:17

The fool–as we can see from The Word–is easily identifiable if we are not wearing blinders or have our ears covered.

The fool’s mouth always identifies him.

The fool’s insecurity is evident in their paranoid behavior.

The fool will always boast of himself–self-congratulatory–always patting self on the back.

The fool will always expect others to praise them–seeks opportunity to find those who are gullible and will believe anything they say.

The fool never believes that others can see through their foolishness.

The fool thinks they have a right to dictate to others.

The fool is blinded to truth because their ego is the driving force in their lives.

The fool always needs someone else to clean up the messes they make.

The fool never accepts responsibility for what they do and always blames others when things go wrong.

The fool never listens to those who are wise because they don’t believe anyone is wiser than they are.

Do we recognize him, now?

 

Hope Beyond The Senseless!

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, LORD, how profound your thoughts! Senseless people do not know, fools do not understand, that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But you, LORD, are forever exalted. For surely your enemies, LORD, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered.  Psalm 92:1-9 NIV

No matter what happens or how foolish those who don’t know God can be, our hope should be rooted in the God of Heaven and know He is the only Wise One to whom we can seek counsel.

Americans have elected a person to govern this already great country with a personal agenda to make his name great and everything he does–is an indicator that he cares nothing about the people who elected him and certainly not those who didn’t. In another words, a narcissist is incapable of thinking about anyone but themselves. And a pathological liar will lie about everything and believe what they say. So, how anyone can believe that God chose him–is beyond me.

Looking at all the people he selected to serve in his administration is proof that he is all about–Making America White-Male-Controlled Again. But of course, birds of a feather do flock together–which is why we can be sure–the first opportunity he gets–he will share intelligence with foreign nations to our detriment because he has no sense of discipline, honor or integrity, and certainly does not understand diplomatic protocol with interactions with other world leaders.

Though the road looks a little rocky with a fool in the driver’s seat, we can look beyond the senselessness and see God–in all His glory and rest in Him.

May The Lord continue to watch over all those who love Him and will obey His commands in all areas to love Him and love others. May our hope always reside in Him who is the wisest and the One who loves us. May The Lord strengthen us in our resolve to be bold and courageous on every front to push back against foolishness and evil so that it won’t pervade and spread faster than a wildfire in a drought. May The Lord continue to comfort hearts and pour out wisdom in all who are willing to receive from Him. May The Lord continue to guide our steps to the end of our journey where we will see Him in all of His glory! May The Lord speak to our hearts so we can reach out to those who feel isolated and abandoned, assuring them of God’s love and our compassion towards them. May The Lord keep our angels alert and watchful over all so our judgment of them will be just.

When Evil Is Plotted!

You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. Psalm 52:2 NIV

A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers,who plots evil with deceit in his heart— he always stirs up conflict.Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. Proverbs 6:12-15 NIV

A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. Proverbs 16:27

Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. Proverbs 24:8 NIV

Whenever anyone plots to do evil against another person, they risk a Hamanesque result in the process.

Some would say, karma–has a boomerang effect.

Others might say–if you dig a hole for someone, you just might be the one who falls into it.

I’m saying, never start a fire you’re not prepared to extinguish.

And of course, when Haman plotted evil to get rid of Mordecai, the gallows he constructed for Mordecai, became his final gasp for breath.

Plotting to do evil always has dire consequences for the person doing the plotting, thereby igniting the Hamanesque result.

We cannot be foolish enough to think that God does not know the evil that lurks in our hearts when we plot for the destruction of others. When our actions–whatever they are–attempt to undermine or destroy others–we open the door for a turn-around effect–especially when we have lied about our own behavior and yet attempt to manipulate truth to destroy others. God is not mocked and His Word is true.

The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:4 NIV

“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! Proverbs 30:32 NIV

A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.Ecclesiastes 5:3 NIV

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:28 KJV

Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! Proverbs 17:7 NIV

There is so much more that could be said, but if we allow Holy Spirit to fill our hearts, then whatever is in our hearts will be heard when we speak.

If evil fills our heart, then that will be heard when we speak as well.

We all have choices to make in life and I prefer making my choices align with the Word of God rather than in opposition to it. For if we support a fool and his foolish ways, what does that say about us? Are we, too, plotting evil? If we are, then we put ourselves in a position for our plots to turn on us.

If we must plot to do anything–let’s plot to spread love and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever we go, with whoever we meet. That is the only plot, I’d love to see turn back on us–the circle of love, rather than a continuum of hate, bigotry, and evil.

What goes around, will come back around and if we are the ones who start a fire without an extinguisher, we’re bound to get burned.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!

Where People Fit!

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:1,2

Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.Proverbs 29:6

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.Proverbs 29:7

Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.Proverbs 29:8

If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. Proverbs 29:9

The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright. Proverbs 29:10

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

Throughout a person’s life, they go through stages–trying to determine where they fit in with life’s scheme of things for them.

I believe that however a person turns out–in life–begins with the foundation that is laid when they begin seeing themselves in the environment in which they find themselves. And as such, when people realize what their surroundings are and they can make a difference or simply accept it–they are in position to choose their end in life. Being born into a poverty-ridden environment doesn’t mean that’s how a person how to end their life. Being born into a gilded society where a person has everything done for them, doesn’t mean they will be a better person for it and many end up being morally corrupt.

What I’ve discovered about many (not all) people who had to work their way to what they wanted (nothing given to them except moral standards), they are more inclined to have a benefactor’s heart. They always want to help someone–without fanfare or recognition–just to make sure someone has a chance for a better life.

At the opposite end of this spectrum–those born with “silver/gold spoons” as feeding utensils, usually (not always) end up looking down on those who did not have what they have and have no compassion on those who do not what they were given at birth. They tend to go through life thinking the world owes them and they do for others when they can derive attention for it.

Looking at The Word of God, we see primarily how people fit into specific categories in our general society. Now, note these adjectives are not the labels earned at the beginning of life, but rather near the end of life.

The stiff-necked–after many rebukes–those who refuse to change their ways.

The righteous–those who do what is right according to God’s Word.

Evil-doers–those who plot and plan to do evil to others for their own gain.

The wicked–those who thrive on doing evil and enjoy it.

The wise–those who respect and adhere to wisdom from above.

The fool (stupid, idiot) those who have been taught what is right, but rebel against it to go their own way and keep finding themselves in a rut–never moving forward, always blaming others for their outcome since they refuse to accept responsibility for what they do or don’t do.

The bloodthirsty–those who do not care about the bloodshed of others in their quest to accomplish their own missions.

Thinking about what we do and why we do it–we should be able to find ourselves in one of these categories. Where do you fit?

Watching Exchanges!

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Proverbs 26:4 NIV

Beginning to understand this proverb better each day.

I’ve stated before that I read articles from several different digital mediums and when I find one interesting enough, I post a comment. Depending on the subject of the post, I usually get quite a few responses–some agreeing, some disagreeing, some humorous, and some–just downright hateful. I’ve been able to spot the bigots and the racists who simply comment to make their voice known. I get it. They want everyone to know what they think, but not who they are since most hide behind profile icons rather than pics of themselves. Silly me–everyone knows who I am because I am not ashamed of who I am, my positions on anything and I certainly don’t allow the idiots to intimidate me.

Now, though some–even those who don’t agree with my stances on things–have applauded my restraint in responding in like manner to those who are hateful, I have decided–those types of exchanges just aren’t worth the effort. So, now–instead of responding to those who only want to spew their vitriol–I simply hide their post. Problem solved.

It’s not that I don’t think Holy Spirit won’t keep a rein on my fingers, but it’s just so tempting to be like those who simply want to hate others. But I’m thankful that love reigns in my heart and I don’t want to make my Father ashamed of me–by acting the part of a fool.

God is always watching what we do and say and more importantly, He knows our hearts and He knows those who are truly His, from those who claim they belong to Him.

The most amazing thing about some of the online posters is most of them claim to be Christians. From their comments they believe they are an authority unto themselves and nothing anyone else thinks–matters. And no matter what anyone says, they want to set them straight–if you don’t think like they do–you’re a worthless sinner or worse yet–for them I guess–a “clueless Libtard.”

One lady–Kim Smith–told me, I needed to “read my bible better” and I “couldn’t be a Democrat and a Christian.” I guess someone forgot to tell her that Believers belong to whatever political party they choose. What most don’t understand is–a true Believer–looks at the whole picture, not just selected portions and makes a decision. It’s like looking at a buffet table–loaded down with all sorts of food–but when a person knows they don’t like certain foods, they simply don’t put those on their plate. It doesn’t mean they choose not to eat anything.

And that’s the way I choose to select the political dynamic that best suits the goal for the masses, not just for a handful of people. I don’t necessarily agree with the platform policies of either of the four parties, but there is one, I’m sure will best benefit “all people” whether I particularly agree with the candidate or not. Here’s the thing–I will never vote for a person who shows no demonstrable aptitude for hearing and obeying Holy Spirit–no love, no self-control, no self-discipline–just rashly speaking and refusing to accept responsibility for what they say and do.  No–this isn’t a political commentary, but it just goes to show how knowing what God says–reveals itself in our daily lives.

So, watch exchanges with people–and if they don’t agree with you–let it go–it’s their prerogative and if they get nasty, let them–hide their post and walk away from it. If we act like they act, then we are no better than they are.

What To Expect!

An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach. The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice. The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. Proverbs 18:1-7 NIV

If I am belaboring the point of a fool’s life–just bear with me so I can get it out of my system. The word fool is mentioned 66 times in 62 verses in the KJV (fools 42 times) and 62 times in 58 verses in the NIV (fools is mentioned 63 times). Solomon talks about a fool or fools more than anyone in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. So, if we take a common sense approach to understanding The Word, we discover, God is not too happy with a fool or foolish behavior.

It is so difficult not to talk about the conduct of a fool in light of our current election cycle. Differences of opinion should open the door for dialogue but instead–with those who don’t think anyone is right but them–it opens the floodgates of hatred and bigotry and arrogance and presumptiveness.

Here’s what I’m discovering about what to expect of those who are diehards–more loyal to party than country:

• They would rather stand on accusatory rhetoric–already proven wrong–than to accept the reality of the situation.
• They accept spliced media as credible evidence against a political candidate and expect others to just “believe” what it portrays.
• They expect others to fall in line with their opinions when no viable, credible evidence is offered to support their opinions.
• They expect others to accept the lead of “religious leaders” who are simply party puppets who think they know more than Holy Spirit.
• They discredit a person’s relationship with God and hearing Holy Spirit when the discussion does not support what they want others to accept.
• They refute The Word as the standard for political choices when it doesn’t fit with party platforms.
• They lose ground and credibility every time they open their mouth (loose lips sink ships or political clout).

I could go on and on, but it would serve no purpose other than to ignite more animosity and that is not my purpose. My purpose in presenting the bullet points above is to hopefully shed some light on how ridiculous some become over political rhetoric. I know because I’ve been chastised about my political position (which aligns with The Word) because I refuse to put party platform over the welfare of the entire country.

This has all been stated before, but I guess sometimes, we need to repeat and repeat and repeat a matter for some to understand it. Hence–the repetition about a fool or fools in The Word.

Considering the life Jesus lived while walking the earth, I wonder what He would do about this election cycle. God the Father is Love and Jesus is God the Son so therefore, Love abounds in the persons of the authority in our lives (assuming God, not a political party is the authority). If we see and hear–a candidate who is divisive, promoting hate and fear and has no depth of compassion for others–would Jesus have voted for this person to guide the nation?

I’ve been “told” to pray for God to change the candidate in question’s heart, but this I know about God–He will not force anyone to do anything and if a person sees no need to change who they are–all the prayer by every person from every corner in the world won’t change them. When–someone who has supposedly converted to Christianity–proclaims they have no need to ask God to forgive them–that speaks volumes about their so-called conversion. One of the first tenets of coming to Christ–is confessing our sin and asking to be forgiven.

At any rate–I’m praying that God will fill–to overflowing everyone willing to receive–His wisdom and they will act accordingly in obedience to His Word. That’s my prayer.