Do you like to watch people? Have you ever sat on a bench in a mall and simply observe them? Have you seen the silly things they do? Have you been frustrated by the thoughtless things people say? Have you wondered why they speak at all? Are you one of them?
It can be quite entertaining to sit and observe people. They will do some of the strangest things. Each person has their own little quirks. But if we eaves drop on conversations, people will say some of the most mindless things as well. Some are silly while some are ignorant.
Ignorance and thoughtlessness seem to be more common today than ever before. It may be merely a perception. Yet, many people don’t take the time to learn. They don’t research a topic, dig into the who, what, when, where, how, and why of it. Therefore, they end up speaking about something with very little knowledge of it, or ignorance.
The ignorance feeds into the thoughtlessness with which they speak. The thoughtlessness comes from the combination of ignorance, laziness, and a desire to fit in with the crowd. Rather than simply being quiet, people will repeat what they heard someone else say, rather than doing some critical thinking before deciding to speak.
In Proverbs, wisdom is personified. It is a voice crying out to the human race, desiring us to seek it. Wisdom shouts out to us, calling for our attention. Yet, far too often, we ignore it and continue in our ignorance. Imagine how we could reduce disputes, improve society, and become more faithful by pursuing wisdom.
I pray we all cease to speak in ignorance. I pray we decide not to merely repeat what we have heard. I pray each one of us seek wisdom and think critically before we decide to speak. Seek wisdom. Think critically. Ask God for wisdom. Know that God will grant wisdom.
Proverbs 8:1-4
Does not wisdom call
and understanding raise her voice?
On the heights, beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
“To you, O people, I call,
and my cry is to all who live.”
Marty Pressey 