it is easy to be a fool

I read this verse during my morning reading, and it is too good not to share.

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.  Proverbs 18:2

I love this.  It clearly shows us how to discern truth (God) from lies (fools).  One who is firmly planted in a garden of hatred (the fool who has no desire to understand) will reap a harvest of bitterness.  The fool is perfectly content to condemn and slander at the expense of another.  He does so even in the name of what is good and right and further believes wholeheartedly that the slander is deserved.  It can be easy to fall prey to the unrighteous judgement.  The condemnation is hurtful...after all, we are all human...given by the hand of the Lord a wide range of emotion.  It can be easy to believe the slander.  Don't.

Romans 8:1 says, Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Sounds easy, right?  It's not.  I have to remind myself often that my judgement is in Christ, and not in the flesh.  I am a real person with real feelings.  I cry.  I hurt.  My heart breaks.  Just like you.  Just like the fool.  Yes, I also have to remember that the fool has feelings, too.  The fool was created in Christ's image, just the same way I was.  We are equally worthy of His love and grace.  What a hard lesson.

Remember, it is easy to be a fool.  It is difficult to seek to understand.

ADDED NOTE:  Webster defines the word fool several different ways.  Here are two commonly used definitions: 1. a person lacking in good judgement or prudence; 2. one with a marked propensity or fondness for something (e.g., a fool for God or a fool for love).  It is of the former definition which I speak.