Fools’ Bold

(Proverbs 26:3 KJV)  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

The openness and frankness of the Bible are refreshing, at least as long as we don’t feel it is directed toward us.  We have reference after reference to “fools” (3684) and it is done without apology.  It is clear that Solomon knows what a fool is.  Why don’t we?  Why do we try to talk nice when we should be speaking with clarity?

Part of it is a misunderstanding of love.  We have rejected God’s use of the word and substituted the emotional definition of the world.  We feel much better about ourselves when we can say “Don’t judge” and act like we are accurately quoting Jesus than when we should be focusing on “Lord, be merciful on me a sinner.”

(Luke 18:13 KJV)  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Yet it is the person who understands that he is a fool, or sinner, that is the target of God’s love.  Notice the result of this attitude,

(Luke 18:14 KJV)  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

In order to receive the love of God we need to admit that we need the grace of God.  Confession of our unworthiness is the catalyst for being made worthy.

So?  We are surrounded by fools but paraphrase Pogo and say, “We have met the fool and the fool is us”.  And of course when that really happens and we call out in repentance we are transformed by the blood of Christ from sinner to saint.  Happy transformation.