Fools Think Their Ways Are Right
August 29, 2020
Commentary
It is sort of surprising to read in verse six that a mocker actually seeks wisdom. It just goes to show you that a lack of desire is not the problem but it is a lack of seeking the Lord. For those who have spiritual discernment knowledge is easily acquired. When you can see that a man’s heart is full of foolishness you need to stay away from him (v. 7). To argue or try to reason with him is useless. Being around him will only tend to influence us for wrong.
Fools think their ways are right (v. 8). When he sins, he even makes fun of asking forgiveness and trying to make things right (v. 9). In contrast the upright come with a deep sense of their own sinfulness and receive the favor of the Lord.
Every person experiences his own joys and bitterness and no one else can perfectly understand those inter-feelings except the Lord (v. 10). Other people may have similar experiences but never exactly the same. A house appears to be far more stable than a tent. However, the house of the wicked shall be overthrown while the tent of the upright shall stand and flourish (v. 11). This probably has reference to possessions and family members.
Application
Because something looks good does not mean that it is good. Looks can really deceive us. That is why we need God’s wisdom in everything we do. He knows what is best and wants to direct us in that way.
Proverbs 14:6– 12 (NET)
6 The scorner sought wisdom—there was none, but understanding was easy for a discerning person.
7 Walk abreast with a foolish person, and you do not understand wise counsel.
8 The wisdom of the shrewd person is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock at reparation, but among the upright there is favor.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and with its joy no one else can share.
11 The household of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way that leads to death.
Illustration: Sam Walton Despised Corporate Fat Cats
The most classic example of a modern servant leader was Sam Walton. He despised corporate fat cats. He could, and would, handle the cash register as well as stock the shelves in any of his Wal-Mart stores. He drove an old, rusty, dented pickup not to prove a point but because it still had plenty of good mileage left in it. He told his staff on more than one occasion that “if American management is going to say to their workers that we’re all in this together, they’re going to have to stop this foolishness of paying themselves $3 million and $4 million bonuses every year and riding around every where in limos and corporate jets like they’re so much better than everybody else.” (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author)