Watchword
(1 Kings 17.8-24; Matthew 1.18-25)
The decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19.7
Since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1.21
Proverbs 26:10
Like an archer who wounds everyone
Is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.
The fault in this proverb lies not with the random fool or drunkard, but with the person who recruits such a lout into his service. The comparison with the archer is telling: not every shot is off the mark but every time the bow is drawn we have to hold our breath. Likewise this poor hire has commenced a state of affairs that is antithetical to settledness; it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
So our big question is: why would anyone bring such a liability into his employ? Why invite such stress on oneself? Indeed, why expose everyone to the harm that comes with giving a fool a task and a title?
Two reasons that I can think of, both which reflect larger issues of wisdom: 1) We are in a hurry to get a task done OR 2) We feel beholden to the fool.
We could be so time-crunched that we no longer do the research and after carefully select the best out of many options: in the moment any passer-by will do. But even worse, we could owe the fool a favor, or be afraid of grieving him or we might fear that overlooking him would drive him away and leave us lonely.
Now I write another proverb that contrasts ours this morning: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” This answering proverb is not encouraging us to zaniness or irrational leaps of faith; but calling us to the ways of God that are opposed to impulsiveness, procrastination, man-fearing, and conniving.
Dear people: Don’t respond to fearfulness. Stop procrastinating. Trust God and happy hiring!
Bible Reading: Romans 10:1-4
Surprisingly, one of the few (the only?) times in the NT when we hear of prayers for unbelievers to be saved. Another unusual phrase here: Zeal for God but without knowledge.
What does it mean: “seeking to establish their own righteousness”?
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