Wisdom and Folly

Wisdom and Folly

Can you tell when you first meet a person whether he is a fool or a wise man? In all probability he is just an average person. However, the fool soon makes himself known by his talkativeness. He is quick to pour out his heart, because he assumes that everything he has to say is like gold, which everyone should gladly embrace. No one is born a fool; people become fools because they allow themselves to be fooled. To admire yourself is a sure way to become a fool, and that is why the first step to wisdom is to become acquainted with your own foolishness. In other words, it is wisdom to see foolishness as sheer madness. What we admire shapes us, be it wisdom or folly, and our reputation for being a wise or a foolish person will be decided accordingly. The path of wisdom is hidden and must be sought after; that is why it is so unknown and unheeded. Foolishness opens its mouth in every high place, and there are plenty who admire it. In the eyes of the world, wisdom appears weak and unappealing because by its very nature, it can only be found where there is a fear of God. That is why a wise and poor man was able to save a city that was surrounded by a whole army, despite the fact that no one had even noticed him.

Knowledge about God is not the same as wisdom, but a life of faithfulness in God’s light and knowledge is wisdom. In other words, the fear of God leads to wisdom. Wisdom is the mother of love. Wisdom loves everything and everyone because she is the source of everything. That is why Jesus is also called “the Word,” by which and for which everything has been created. Jesus is also called Christ, the Wisdom of God. Wisdom does everything appropriately because she knows the right time and the right place. Folly does not know the right time or the right place. Wisdom must be sought, and those who seek her will easily find her. The opposite of wisdom is folly. You can see and hear folly anywhere and everywhere, but wisdom speaks her hidden language and exposes folly as utter madness. You may ask, “How can this be?” It is up to you to find out.

Sirach says that the spirit of wisdom is sensitive, agile and pure. It searches all things and is passed on from generation to generation in holy and pure souls. He who seeks wisdom must decrease his busyness, because wisdom is far removed from covetousness and is gained in your times of leisure.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5.