Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
Following a dispute, Craig Aylesworth, of Bithlo, Florida, allegedly tossed a Molotov Cocktail at his neighbor’s trailer home … just as the winds shifted, sending embers on to his own trailer. Luckily, he was arrested, since this dumb criminal no longer had a home of his own. 1
An El Paso, Texas, man busted into a church and stole the safe. Safes are heavy, so he only got a few yards before dropping it on a neighbor’s lawn, where he tried to crack it open. That’s when he was confronted by the home’s occupant—a police officer. 2
Foolishness is not a new problem. Writers in both the Old and Testament contrasted wisdom with foolishness. A mocker is one example of a fool. Timothy Keller notices the following about fools and mockers in Psalm 1:1.
Three kinds of fools are mentioned in this verse. The mockers (Hebrew lesim) prove it is not mental capacity but attitude that determines whether we become wise or foolish. At the root of mockers’ character is a high pride that hates submitting to anyone (21:24). Their strategy is to debunk everything, acting very smug and knowing in the process. Mockers, though fools, appear to most eyes as worldly-wise and highly sophisticated. 3
Psalm 1 is considered a wisdom Psalm. It contrasts the way of the godly or wise and the path of the wicked or foolish. Please note that intelligence and wisdom are two different qualities. Someone can be both intelligent and make foolish choices. Many people who mock and ridicule others are smart people. We are surrounded by a cynical culture that has largely lost faith in our political and religious institutions. Social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, is often filled with hatred. Christianity is mocked in college classrooms, on television, and in the workplace. It is one thing to mock evil behavior such as Elijah making fun of the prophets of Baal. Jesus repeatedly criticized the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. However, the Lord warns that He will not be mocked. There will be a time when every knee will bow to Christ. God is the righteous judge.
The Proverbs echo the Psalms’ emphasis on wisdom.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.
Prayer:
Father,
Guide us into wisdom. May we seek understanding and knowledge found only in You. May Your Spirit fill us and the love of Christ compel us to love and serve others. In the matchless name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Nathan
Pastor Nathan
Sources:
- My News Orlando available online cfnews13.com. Accessed 14 April 2018.
- Journal Star available online http://www.pjstar.com/. Accessed 14 April 2018.
- Timothy and Kathy Keller. Reading the Proverbs with Timothy and Kathy Keller.