In the Old Testament book of Proverbs (which is the book of wisdom), chapter 14, verse 1, we read, “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.”

This speaks of a woman, but let us expand it to include more than that.

Wisdom is wholesome, sensible and right.

We have all seen or heard of a highly contested sporting event where the teams are rivals. The game is played and the outcome decided.

Then we hear that both the winners and the losers departed the game and destroyed property either in celebration or in frustration.

Where is wisdom in that? Why cannot both sides enjoy the contest, accept the results and sit down and drink their cups of coffee together?

Wisdom (“building”) and foolishness (“tearing down”) are all around us. We see families disintegrating because one or both parties are foolish in indulging in one thing or another to the detriment of the relationship.

It is foolish because they live in the same house. They belong to the same family.

Let us expand this thought to what we see going on in our country. You have to wonder, has wisdom fled? Are there any adult actors left?

Partisanship, pettiness and downright foolishness threaten to rip the fabric of the republic.

The world we live in dwells in armed camps because we cannot get along. But isn’t it amazing that, when you actually meet and get to know an individual from the “other camp,” you find them likable and, in reality, very much like you.

They have ideals, hopes and goals just like you.

Maybe the common good is mere survival. If it is, let’s get there and quit this foolishness.

 

Dan Puckett works with road team operations at Life Action Ministries in Buchanan, Michigan.