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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Speaking What Is Right!

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance she cries aloud: To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it. Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true for my lips detest wickedness. All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who found knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:1-11 NIV

Before we get too far into the meat of this text–this is not going to be an exegesis of this segment of Proverbs, but it is fitting to note, just how apropos it is for the following promotion of my potential candidacy in 2020.

For the last few months, if not longer, most who read my blog know, I’m exploring a run for President in 2020. I’ve talked to a number of people–some who think it’s a great idea and some who don’t; I’ve run online surveys to get a sense of the issues that concern most people; I’ve participated in marches and will continue to do so; I’ve researched state requirements to get on the ballot in all 50 states; I’m participating in training sessions to get it right, and getting more involved in my community so I’ll know I’m speaking on behalf of the people and not myself.

For the next year or so, until June 2019, I’ll be working on putting together a coalition of Everyday Americans who want to see significant changes in Washington and are willing to work for it to happen. We’ll have to cover a lot of territory and as of this writing, I have yet to attempt to raise funds for a campaign. I am cautiously optimistic that when the time comes; we will have presented and promoted such a dynamic case of why I should be in the White House, money will come so we can turn things around and reclaim our position as leaders to the world. I’m convinced we can do this and the world will think better of us.

However, I want the masses to make that decision, not me. I believe in me and I want others to believe in me, too. So watch for all the updates on http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 and my tweets @educatormary on Twitter. I encourage comments because I want to know what’s on your mind. I will respond to legitimate, serious comments, questions as quickly as I can. I will not respond or react to hateful, bigoted, misogynistic rhetoric because that would be a waste of my time, talent, and wisdom.

For what it’s worth, I will not lower my standards or values to interact with people who simply want to disdain, malign or belittle others–for any reason–and especially not because some–are simply bigoted racists. Am I perfect? Not hardly. A friend of mine coined a phrase that I’ll use often (I told her I would); I am flawed with fortitude in my commitment and passion to make a real difference in this country that will benefit all.

Are you ready? If so, don’t hesitate to join us in being the change we need to make this a better world, while we can.

 

Here’s my “practice” video. Others will be coming soon, so watch for them!

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.

 

Disaster In The White House!

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. There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:12-19 NIV

As hard as I try to see a redeeming quality in 45–it just doesn’t seem possible. On a daily basis; he becomes more abhorrent than the day before. Forget trying to see any parts of Christ reigning in his life–he is of the devil and everything he does–demonstrates it.

His only goal–to pacify the rich and make everyone else suffer–including those who voted for him.

Between Bannon and Miller’s control over him and his own ineptness, it’s a wonder the walls at the White House haven’t collapsed from the sheer absurdity of who and what is in the office.

Talk about hating people–45 makes me wonder if his parents ever showed him any affection at all. We know his rich daddy bought his way through everything and he’s never learned to accept any responsibility for his actions because we see it–daily. He constantly missteps and lies and never apologizes for his wrong doing while others around him get shoved under the bus by association.

Is this going to be the way we see the trash get taken out of the White House–anyone associating with him first?

He should be thrown out in the midst of all those who will suffer from his hateful policies! The elderly and poor, the middle-class worker who sought relief from his presidency and who only get buried with the healthcare coverage and still won’t have the “good jobs” he promised. The only people who benefit from a “tRump presidency are the very rich.”

Sadly, those who might have had a chance of redemption have positioned themselves to dwell in the burning lake for all eternity with him since they think it’s more important to support his lies than to tell the truth.

At any rate–if people don’t see or understand that his promises are as empty as his brain, they are deluding themselves if they think their lives are going to get better under the pathological liar-in-chief who doesn’t have a clue or the temperament to be in the White House.

I listened to Rep. Chris Collins yesterday on “The Messy Truth” with Van Jones and heard the obvious “talking points” of the GOP–“we’ve suffered for the last eight years under Obama.” This is a talking point that has been debunked over and over, but I guess they (GOP) figure if they keep repeating it; it will be true. Another way of seeing what is happening is to remember–how the “GOP obstructed Obama”—refused to cooperate or work with the democrats in moving the country forward and it was a “deliberate plan by the Republican leadership” who bragged about it. So, if there was any suffering--it was caused by the obstructionists, not President Obama.

I have come to the conclusion that Republicans think it’s more important to lie and support party than work for the betterment of the country. This is one of the reasons that the audience laughed when Collins said he’d give 45 “A” for a grade. And every time a republican purports that he’s doing just great–he believes the lie and his supporters get screwed with the rest of us.

It doesn’t help that with his lack of ability that he thinks “watching movies, fake news and reading parts of right-wing conspiracy theories” provides him with knowledge and understanding. His reading comprehension skills are non-existent and if he had a functioning brain, he’d know he’s being played by everyone in the White House around him–especially Bannon and Miller (Spicer, Priebus and Conway–are just too foolish to understand what’s going on right in front of them).

So, yes there is a disaster in the White House and it’s effects shall soon be felt by all.

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.

Wisdom’s Turn!

Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10 NIV

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 NIV

Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded. Proverbs 13:13 NIV

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14 NIV

Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. Proverbs 13:15 NIV

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

If we are honest with ourselves about ourselves and look closely, we will see us in any of the Proverbs–not those just listed here, but any of them. When we are willing to see ourselves, we’ll see others more clearly and understand we are standing in the room marked, “improvements needed” and won’t judge others negatively simply because we have not shared their walk in life.

When wisdom speaks–we should certainly listen since this wisdom–comes from above and is not contingent upon what mere mortals think.

What’s Next?

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words. With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. Proverbs 7:4,5; 21-27 NIV

No matter how many times it said, many refuse to listen to the wisdom that resides in the pages of the book of Proverbs.

Wisdom–usually referred to with a female pronoun throughout The Word–is compared to “an adulterous woman” (not so wise) in this passage,  one who has no integrity, scruples or values. To keep this all in context, one must read the entire seventh chapter. However, if we look beyond the pronoun reference and see the character traits of the adulterer, we see how all of this connects and is applicable to daily lives–especially in the political arena.

Let me see if I could put this into perspective–based on the facts as they are revealed. The male pronoun reference embellishes the character traits of a person who is gullible and easily manipulated. The warning against the adulterous woman is to make sure all understand that manipulators use enticing words, playing to a person’s weaknesses and desires and will offer whatever they want–in order to get what they want. Of course, if a person is gullible and easily manipulated–because of a lack of knowledge–they will believe and follow the manipulator–and end up traveling the path of destruction–by their own choices.

We have two choices–one not much better than the other–but choices nonetheless. We must choose between a blustery, dictatorial, narcissistic, bigoted, hate and fearmonger who doesn’t have a clue about how much of anything works outside his own delusions of grandeur. One who backpedals on a daily basis, and doesn’t feel he has to play the game by the rules and when people disagree with him–watch out for vitriol–as he attempts to bully by intimidation.

And the other choice–someone who has been proven to not always tell the complete truth–(though all politicians lie) and for some–as they see it–refuses to take responsibility for her actions. Though she has been cleared of wrongdoing in two major investigations–Benghazi and the email probe–opponents refuse to let her “carelessness” go. Okay, so she was careless–or stupid–but unfortunately, stupidity is not a crime or more people would be locked up and then there wouldn’t be anyone eligible to run for any public office–especially in this election cycle.

What I don’t understand is why–anyone would choose a man who has openly stated that his daughter is so beautiful that if he wasn’t married, he’d date her. That statement sent warning signals to me–especially in light of his inflated ego and view of self. Does he really think it was appropriate to admit he’d like to sleep with his daughter? Why would anyone want a man in the position of President of the United States–who praises the likes of those who hate and kill–indiscriminately? And then there are other pending lawsuits that, if ever revealed, will expose the true nature and character of a child molester.But then I guess the answer is in his enticing words (not necessarily truth)—intended to ignite and promote hatred of others while making himself appear more capable and knowledge than he is.  He is his best publicist for not many others have said anything about his greatness or his wealth.

I’m still praying for all Americans who will be voting this fall. And for those who think I’ve gone overboard with what I have to say about the election and applicability of God’s Word, you’re entitled to think whatever you like. I’ve learned to respect people who disagree with me without trying to tear them down for doing so. If that same courtesy is not extended to me–God’s got my back. I’m especially praying for those Evangelical leaders who are deliberately leading people down a garden path–not of God–but out of fear, proving they do not trust God. Fearmongering works best when a candidate has nothing of substance to say about the real issues–that affect all Americans. Where love resides, there’s room in the heart for fear!

Until we realize we all–black, white, yellow, brown, red–Believers of Christ and non-believers, gay, straight, male or female–belong to the human race and we should all be treated with love and compassion as Jesus would do. So what happens next? That depends on how open hearts are to hearing Holy Spirit speak–even when it means putting aside political ideologies that ignite hatred and bigotry. God knows best and in the end–it will all be as He planned it.

When People Rejoice!

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2 NIV

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

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25 NIV

If we’ve paid attention to the current unfolding saga occurring in the UK, we can’t help but see how impetuous thinking, without consideration of all the probabilities can negatively affect an entire country.

Based upon the interviews I watched (which coincided with other political analysts’ conclusions), it was the frustrated masses, the fearful, and the bigoted who voted to leave the EU, while the young people who also voted to leave, expressed regret over having voted in favor of leaving. Those who now regret voting to leave the EU, understand from the fallout, they didn’t have sufficient information to make that decision to vote to leave.

Although there are some rejoicing over the outcome, their joy may be short-lived when they realized the predicament they will now have to resolve.

For Americans and other nations, the fall-out was immediately expressed in the uncertainty of what will happen with the downturn of stock market. In spite of the fact that the republican nominee thinks that devaluing the pound is a good idea, most Britons do not. They are facing job losses, security around their borders which will be their responsibility, and the possible loss of corporations doing business in their country.  And it is important to note that not every country in the UK voted to leave the EU. Scotland is determining how they can retain their relationship with the EU in spite of what others have done.

My concern–in spite of what others may think–is that if we allow fear-mongering, bigotry, and outright deceit by a political candidate to sway people into voting for them–we, too, will wake up the morning after the general election in November with deep regrets.

In order not to experience remorse and regret over our one-time vote for a president, we must then pursue seeking truth–all the information we need to make a responsible decision and then consider all the possibilities that will result from our decision. We cannot base our vote on the emotional upheavals generated by those who think they can run a country. We must exercise wisdom and common sense, based on what we see and hear the candidates say, not just the journalists–and then we must be willing to investigate the truth for ourselves.

Here is one example as to why we should listen closely.  The campaign advisors–seeking potential vice-presidential candidates are asking for their “tax returns” when the presidential candidate is refusing to reveal his. That’s a bit of hypocrisy. “Show me yours, but I’m not showing mine.”

And then we must all realize–with scales off our eyes and ears unstopped from personal attack propaganda and understand–the republican candidate back-pedals consistently because he speaks without thinking or having sufficient information to have a credible opinion. All of the political fact-checkers have refuted most of what he has said about his opponent, but that doesn’t seem to stop him. He is also his best publicist! No one says as much about his business acumen or wealth as he does. So, the question we should ask ourselves is–why is that?

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather wake up rejoicing the morning after the election in November than to wake up groaning with regret. Only the righteous will understand this sentiment–those who have a right relationship with God–and will continue to pray for wisdom in all things--especially for those in the UK who must now face their dilemmas in isolation.

Mockers and Fools vs Wisdom and Knowledge!

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1 NIV

A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. Proverbs 14:3 NIV

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Proverbs 14:6 NIV

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

Looking at The Word through Solomon’s insights, there really is no competition between the foolish and the wise. Wisdom trumps foolishness every time.

Wise people build–their houses with solid foundations that will endure the test of time and storms. Any foundation that is week and has not been properly shored up, will buckle and eventually cave in causing destruction to the whole house. And whenever there is a problem with the foundation, steps should be taken to make sure it stabilizes before it crumbles and falls.

The building principle is true of every aspect of our lives–we build relationships on solid foundations. We build careers on solid foundations and we build up our faith in God, on the solid foundation of The Word.

Pride speaks without thinking–not considering its ways or how what is said will affect the hearer. Pride doesn’t care and since pride doesn’t care–they are often revealed as fools. While the wise are careful to research and think before speaking, mindful that words carry impact and impact affects those who hear their words.

The mocker–those who mock others for whatever reason–seeks wisdom in all the wrong places and from the wrong people and therefore never obtain what he/she is seeking. But those who have knowledge and wisdom, easily discern what the fools never understand.

Solomon reveals the valuable lessons he’s learned throughout the Proverbs and carried over into Ecclesiastes–the wisdom he gained from God who gives liberally and from making mistakes in his disobedience. He learned that wisdom never leads anyone astray, but a fool–will also find himself lost, without direction, never knowing right from left or up from down–when to stay and when to quit–when to speak and when to be quiet.

With all that Solomon has to say about fools–and there is quite a bit–we, who read The Word with understanding, are without excuse in recognizing a fool when we see or hear one. And if we are wise, we know to stay away from fools for there is no knowledge or wisdom in them and all they do–is mock others–because they have no foundational substance in the make up of their character.

Now, we need to think–before making a decision about what we’ve read–and determine where we are in the greater scheme of things. Are we in the camp of the wise or the foolish?

Removing The Waste!

Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel; remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. Proverbs 25:4,5 NIV

In order for a silversmith to produce valuable artifacts, the first thing they must is to remove all the waste matter–the crud that has no value. The same is true for those who create items from diamonds (mined from layers of coal) and gold (burning off the crud in a hot fire).

How does this segment speak to our daily lives? If we’re going to increase our value or worth, we must remove the crud that keeps us from revealing the true nature of who we are.

On an individual level–many of us have not achieved the success that lies deep within us because we’ve allowed past mistakes and failures to cover and hide the beauty inside. True beauty is often never seen in people simply because they are not willing to get rid of the waste–the crud–that has no value. Sometimes, that means we have to get rid of people in our lives that do nothing but distract us from the path that God has established for us. Sometimes that means we have to be willing to see ourselves–without make-up or delusional perceptions and work to rid ourselves of those things that keep us from seeing our worth.

On a collective level–looking at our communities, our society, our country–we must be willing to remove the crud that has no value. That means we have to see–without bias or delusional perception–all that is going on around us and be willing to remove everything that is “waste” and has no value. Sometimes we must let go of ideologies that oppress and suppress–thinking one group of people is superior to another is one such ideology. We must learn to value all human beings and stop promoting hatred because of race, ethnicity, gender or beliefs. We must stop belittling people simply because they don’t agree with us and we must certainly stop using intimidating, bullying tactics to get our way–in anything.

When we see these things (aforementioned) we must be willing to call them what they are. Racism is a personal bias against others because of a person’s race or ethnic background. Bigotry is hatred of people simply because others are different from them. And any time a person lies--there are no black lies or white lies, little lies or big lies–they are liars. If we’re not willing to be realistic about our biases–we hold onto the dross–the waste–that has no value and we never see what we can truly become.

It’s time we remove the waste–everything that has no value in our lives. It’s time to remove the racism that only leads to racial tensions across the country. It’s time to remove the bigotry that allows people to think they are better than someone else. It’s time to remove the bias against people who believe God versus those who don’t. When we realize that God has given us CHOICE in all matters–we begin to understand that none of us are right about anything and we need each other to survive this journey called “life.”

If we’re not willing to remove all that has no value–the crud from our lives–we will continue to see violence perpetuated against people for any little reason. We will continue to see hatred spread like airborne diseases and we will continue to see a world–filled with ideologies that mean nothing–decimated by bigotry.

Remove The Waste from our thoughts of self and others and we remove the crud in our society so we can shine like beacons of brilliant light!