In the Hearing of a Fool
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
for he will despise the good sense of your words.
Proverbs 23:9
I was thinking about how often I’ve been frustrated with God for not giving me a direct answer to a question, not being keen on waiting. I would process those times by thinking He was being silent about it. As I read this proverb and reflect back over the years, a couple of thoughts percolate. The first is: I’m not sure God remained silent as much as He was tending to “first things first.” The picture that comes to mind is of a toddler having asked for a cookie and their mom leaving the house rather than giving them one. They don’t understand mom had to make them from scratch and needed to go buy flour. They just assume she’s ignored them (cue tantrum).
The second thing I’m thinking about is how often, as a parent, I was determined to enlighten my young son to things that were simply too much for him to comprehend at that time in his life. The picture that comes to mind is a mom strapping her toddler into the driver’s seat and being aghast that they weren’t able to drive. Hmm.
God not only knows exactly what He’s doing, but He knows when to do it. He knows precisely when to enlighten me because He (and only He) knows when my ears and heart and mind are ready to receive. Fools aren’t destined to always be foolish. God is kind to hold off in telling me a thing if I can’t yet comprehend it. He doesn’t waste words or opportunities to deliver them. He just has impeccable timing, (note to self).
A word fitly spoken is like
apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
6 Comments
Anonymous
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You always have wonderful insights.
Loved that final paragraph.
We need to connect! XO
LuAnn
Once again, it seems that in all matters that I struggle with, the answer always comes back to the same important lesson – learning to trust God completely in all things. Thank you for the simple, yet profound clarity you bring to our minds.
Anne Barbour
And I never ceased to be amazed that I’m surprised (and I am) at how simple God has made the core principles. He knows I’m thick headed. He’s always made accommodations with that in mind! Thanks for your words. So happy you’re on the journey with me!
Wendy
Beautifully worded as always Anne! Thanks for the great word pictures and reminders!!
Priva Brookshire
No, note to ME!
Oh, the countless tantrums and pouting sessions I’ve indulged as a grown woman instead of BELIEVING and trusting and waiting. That’s a good word, AB.
Nancy
Excellent, Anne! LOVE the picture.