Ignoring Wisdom is Folly’s Foundation

If modeling, wise counsel, and humility were gold, then the amount I have received from trusted mentors and friends would make me a multi-millionaire! The first mentor who taught me about planning and investing, the peer who cautioned me about preparing to start a family, the wise woman who urged me to read about marriage and relationships so I could love my wife effectively, the older man who introduced me to genuine hospitality, and the college roommate who challenged me to read C.S. Lewis–all of these were GIFTS to my thinking, my leading, my character. Even now, I still am soaking in the experience and wisdom of other people who have built healthy lives, responsible finances, and lifelong marriages.

But one thing unlocked all the potential for putting that wisdom into play: I had to listen and follow. Reading C.S. Lewis’ works confronted my doubts and questions. Saving something from every paycheck started a journey of fiscal solvency. Emulating Bill Gray’s gentle hospitality created joy in opening our home and hosting people with kindness. Reading those books on marriage and relationships prepared me for having a wife and protecting her need for security. Creating the healthy boundaries my boss once described has protected my marriage, church family, career, and health.

Wisdom abounds, but ignoring wisdom is folly’s foundation. The book of Proverbs makes that clear time after time. The greatest information, advice, and insight are all powerless until they are heeded and empowered by action. “Listen, my son,” says Solomon. Heed my counsel. “Do this, and you will live. Practice this.” These points point to the need for us to do something with the wisdom we have been given.

So, ask yourself these questions:

• Which commands of God are you ignoring?
• Which financial principles are you addressing with “maybe later”?
• Which boundaries are choosing not to build?
• Which preparations are you rejecting?

I discovered something many years ago. Every person on the planet has the same number of minutes, hours, days, and months each year. Some choose to seize that time to pursue fruitful lives. Others choose to let life happen by chance. But at the end of that road, the “chance” people have typically ignored wisdom and feel cheated. But those who heed wisdom and put it into practice look back on life with gratitude and joy.

Heeding wisdom is the grist of healthy outcomes. Ignoring wisdom is folly’s foundation.