but fools despise wisdom and instruction." - Proverbs 1:7
Why, in a world or at least a culture that in theory values wisdom and instruction, would someone despise a source of wisdom and instruction? What is it to despise something?
"Despise: To look down upon with disrespect or aversion; to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful."
Do I despise instruction? No, I spend hours learning and reading to increase my learning and knowledge. I invest time and money into this activity as a primary activity in my life.
Do I despise wisdom? Have I not made a practice of posting of the teachings and sayings from every religion, every philosophy, every culture? My social media feed is filled with the wisdom of Zen Buddhists, Sufis, Stoics, Vikings, and a hundred other philosophies and memes in the form of memes because I perceive there is something of value there.
I do not despise wisdom or instruction - except, it seems quite often, when it comes from a result of the fear of the Lord.
Behold the irony: I too often despise the one thing that will bring me wisdom and instruction even as I say wisdom and instruction are important to me. Why I insist on doing so is something to dwell on further.
Update from LindaG and her prayer request:
"Praise The Lord!
I don't care what anyone else , the Lord gives miracles.
And massive doses of thiamine made a difference, also.
Thank you Lord."
Thanks to all that prayed and sent good thoughts.
Good news for LindaG, who knew what's old is new again, vitamin B, huh.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Nylon12. In some cases the old ways and old knowledge still have value.
DeleteThere are doctors here who blew off the connection of vitamin b, because that "doesn't happen in America. "
ReplyDeleteMy brother-in-law, who happens to be a doctor, is like you, TB. Always reading for knowledge. Immediately started pushing for the thiamine. Wet beri beri was his diagnosis. And it has obviously helped. He was surprised by the doctors that don't continue to read and learn that beri beri is a growing problem in America.
I praise God for prayer warriors. I know ultimately it is His miracle.
Of course I am glad at the news Linda - but "This does not happen in America"? Really? This is what passes for medical knowledge in the current world.
DeleteNever, never stop learning.
I am thrilled for Linda and will continue to pray for both her husband and her. Be careful with vitamin B it does cause problems if you ingest to much. Friend who was a vitamin aficionado though if 2 as recommended then 4 was better. Until the day her brother got a call and she could not find her way home. Total mental confusion, he had to talk her through every turn and mile to get her back home. Went to Dr. next day and he ran a panel and B was the culprit. Kudos's to his brother. Great catch.
ReplyDeleteIt is good news - but yes, like with most things, moderation is the key.
DeleteI think there's a conflict in the word "fear." The Biblical context of fear is more of awe and ultimate respect. People these days see "fear" and think "to be afraid." They look at Jesus and say Why should I fear Jesus? He's so loving and gentle and forgiving!" This gets people chasing their tails. I fear what God is capable of, but know that's not what He WANTS to do!
ReplyDeleteIt's true; we always seem to wander off God's path. We feel confined by His laws, so we wander off and become imprisoned by sin and its consequence! And again, all God wants is to do is turn back towards Him! ...Turning back to God is ALWAYS the answer!
It's good to hear that Linda's husbands is improving! God be PRAISED!
Vitamin B... A lot of folks' bodies have trouble making use of vitamin B. I'm one of them. My doctor recommended Methyl B12 and Methyl Folate (folic acid). You need the folic acid to metabolize the B12. The "methyl" part of it means they've been partially metabolized already to make up for what the body can't do with it. ...In case anyone needs to know...
It is a very King James sort of translation Pete, and without the context you helpful provide, will be taken as "to be afraid".
DeleteBest explanation I have ever heard is that it is like a fish in a fishbowl: the fish is safe is as long as it is in the fishbowl. When it decides the fishbowl is "limiting" and "constricting" is when the problems occur.
God indeed be glorified for improvement.
Thankfully a solution evidently has been found. Being married to a medical worker, I know many people expect them to work miracles and solve every complex medical issue on the first go, and it would be nice if they could, but it doesn't work that way most of the time. Fortunately a good doctor will keep trying until they figure it out.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Ed. We have gotten used to "medical miracles" and so sometimes forget that medical personnel are just like us. And yes, the good ones will keep at it.
DeleteGo Linda!
ReplyDeleteJohn, in what can see like a buffet of bad news some days, it is nice to get a little good news.
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