Cornerstone

Proverbs 10:1-14

Verse 1 says that a wise son will bring a disposition of joy and rejoicing to a father but a fool will cause the mother to go through the stress of the emotional sadness of grief. The comparison does not mean that the father never grieves or that the mother never rejoices. The meaning of the Hebrew terms along with the context teach that the behavior of the children strongly effect the mental, emotional, and spiritual life of the parents. What kind of child is it that can bring such heartache to those who love it the most? Lets look a little closer to find the answer.

In the Old Testament there are three Hebrew terms that are translated by the English word “fool.” Kesil, Ewil (moral insolence) and Nabal (the boorish man of mean disposition). Kesil is the most common of the three. Except for three occurrences in Psalms it is found only in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. It means one who is dull and obstinate. Kesil is the opposite of wisdom. It speaks of a way of life that is enticing to the immature but can lead to destruction and ruin.

The context in which this is used in Proverbs 10:1 indicates that the person is a “kesil” by choice from than by genetic defect. Kesil speaks of one who has a propensity to make wrong choices. He has no interest in the patient search for godliness. He seems to think that he can purchase what he needs when he desires (“Why does a fool offer the sage a fee, when he has no mind to learn?” 17:16). He will never accept the fact that he is mistaken in his choice of priorities or his focus for life. No one can seem to convince him that he is his own enemy. (“A rebuke enters deeper into a discerning man than a hundred stripes into a fool.”).

As I mentioned earlier the problem is not because of genetic mental defect. He may be the most intelligent person on the face of the earth while at the same time being the greatest fool. The problem is more basic. The problem is spiritual in nature. The fools most problem is that he has founded his life on the wrong premise. As a result this has led him to the wrong conclusion. In the beginning he has rejected the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:29) and now is far from experiencing the love of God. The word kesil suggests both stupidity and stubbornness. In turn, both of these terms describe the “folly” of rejecting God. (Tyndale OT Commentaries, Proverbs) (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament)

Dr. Gayle Woods

Jn 6:43-51 (44)

FORTUNE, a leader among American business publications, also provides conferences for senior executives of the nation’s corporations. Bringing together leaders from a variety of fields, including top corporate executives, economists, technologists, entertainers, scientists and government officials they encourage the generation of ideas regarding the trends that embrace all within the larger context. The programs include panels, short vignettes, and interviews during which time those involved in the brainstorming sessions seek to think strategically toward the future.

These conferences are by invitation only. That explains why I have never attended a Fortune Conference. Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is by invitation only as well. In this I have enjoyed the esteemed privilege of being recognized.

I was not invited to a relationship with God because of anything that I was able to accomplish on my own. I was not invited because of my intellectual prowess or my profession status. God took the initiative. From the cross He heralded an invitation to all mankind. Unlike the Fortune Conferences, God did not only choose the best and most promising. He invited the unlovely, the undesirable and the unlikely. Through the work of the Holy Spirit the Father continues to send out reminders to individuals encouraging each one to come to repentance. Have you received yours?

Dr. Gayle Woods