Interesting verse today.  I was almost intimidated into not writing, but then I realized that this is such a great way for me to keep up with my own morning devotions, and, after all, Pastor Randy suggested the journaling, so here is documentation that someone is following his advice--Thanks Pastor!

My translations read a little differently where this particular verse is concerned.  The KJV says, "A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself;" the NIV says "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions;" and the Living Bible says, "A rebel doesn't care about the facts.  All he wants to do is yell."  I must admit, I like the concept of the third translation.  In fact, I may put it up on my classroom board for a while.

I find that the word fool, takes on a couple of personalities.  In Prov. 26:1, "Like snow in the summer or rain in the harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool," the word means a silly type of foolish person.  In Proverbs 17: 7a, "Eloquent lips are unsuited to a fool," and 17:21, "To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool," the word denotes stupidity with wickedness or vileness.  Today's verse indicates the first kind, a silly person, not necessarily a wicked one. Also, the word understanding here in the Hebrew indicates more than just knowing the meaning of something, but it implies debate, argument, reasoning. So to paraphrase this verse, it would be accurate to say, "A silly person doesn't care if what he says is right or not.  Even when others disagree, he still just wants to give his own opinion." 

I have been known on occasion to tell people, mainly the teenagers in my life who cross the line, "When I want your opinion, I'll beat it out of you," which is just a more sarcastic way of telling them, "We're going to do it my way."  When you're a teacher, or a mom, sometimes a debate with a teenager just isn't going to work.  But I must wonder how many times I've been so convinced I was right that I just shut myself down to good second or third opinions.  I feel some repentance coming on.

King David surrounded himself with his "Mighty Men," (II Sam. 23 and 24).  They were the best of the best that he could find in the kingdom.  Even though he was so powerful, he sought the advice of those accomplished individuals.  When he didn't listen, he got into complications.  Not that David was a fool by either definition, but he did seem to realize the value of seeking the advice of the experts.  Not a bad lesson in itself.

It is a great pleasure to find new understanding of a thing, particularly when that "thing" happens to be the Word of God.  When the understanding comes, it is nearly impossible to contain--it must be expressed, because of the joy it brings.  And when it comes by way of wise advisors, and is tested by the Holy Ghost, it is no longer just foolish opinion, but truth that can minister to others and benefit the Kingdom of God on this earth. 

Heavenly Father, let Your wisdom and understanding be made manifest in Your people, that in every circumstance we may speak Your truth and outshine the folly of the world. And we thank You that in You "we have redemption through [the blood of Christ], the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of [Your] grace that [You] lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding" (Eph. 1:7-8). Amen