6 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Ezekiel 12:1–14:11
Hebrews 7:1-17
Psalm 105:37-45
Proverbs 27:3
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Proverbs 27:3 (NLT): “A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier.”
Reflections from Scripture:
Proverbs is a book that is saturated with real-life wisdom. But, those wise sayings are communicated in mentally intriguing ways. Proverbs 27:3 is a case in point.
Everyone knows how heavy a big rock can be. If you have ever picked up a bag of sand, you realize how heavy that can be as well.
But, this proverb says that the “weight” of dealing with a fool is much heavier. The emotions they can create within us can drive us crazy. Someone who is foolish will act in ways that are inappropriate for the circumstance. They will be insensitive and say things that a socially adept person will cringe at. They will make decisions that may be good in the short-term but horrible in the long-term. The possibilities of how they can drive us bonkers are endless.
But, it gets worse! The book of Proverbs states over and over that a fool will not listen to instruction. Their mind is closed. Any helpful insight that someone gives to them will fall on deaf ears. So, the likelihood of them changing their reckless ways is slim to none.
So, how should we respond to a foolish person? At least two options are: 1) we could grow exasperated by them, or 2) we could simply overlook them.
If you choose option 1, the “weight” of dealing with a fool and his actions will overwhelm you. So, select option 2. Overlook the fool. Find someone else to spend time with. If you cannot get away from them, force your mind to be preoccupied with something else. If they are working for you, warn them and then replace them.
Finally, whatever you do, refuse to be a fool. Grow in wisdom by devouring the book of Proverbs. Read it over and over. Pray the words of James 1:5-8 and ask God for wisdom, trusting that He will answer your prayer. Embrace the circumstances that God sends your way but reflect upon them and grow wiser.
To live this one life that God has given us, we need wisdom. So, pursue it with all your heart. Then, you will never have to worry about being a burden (“weight”) to others.
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, anyone can be a fool. Anyone can live in such a way that they make stupid decisions for themselves, others, and Your glory. I don’t want to live that like. I want to grow wiser and wiser as I get older. So, I depend upon Your grace to do that work in my life while I do my part to cultivate wisdom. Help in this endeavor, Lord. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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