The Price of Foolishness

According to Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is supreme…” In fact, we are told it is so critical we should pursue getting wisdom “though it cost all you have.” Sound advice. But what does wisdom look like and what is the price of foolishness?

From what I understand, true wisdom includes three progressions:

1. Knowing what is true and right;
2. Understanding what I am to do with this knowledge; and then…
3. Doing it in a way that reflects the character and glory of God.

There are plenty of ways these three factors could be applied. However, one of the best indicators of our level of wisdom may be uncovered by how we use wealth.

Stock portfolios, retirement plans, investment diversification and insurance programs – we are a generation consumed with matters of wealth management. Please don’t misunderstand me. I do believe financial planning ought to be an important component of our wise stewardship of personal resources. The issue that must be addressed involves how we view those resources.

Those who are wise view them as a gift from God for the purpose of blessing others according to His purposes. Those who are foolish simply see what they have as a means of building bigger barns for themselves.

Jesus makes this abundantly clear in the parable of the rich fool. He began the parable by saying, “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” To be honest with you, I know a lot of people who don’t really believe Jesus on this matter. I am sufficiently guilty myself of forgetting this important truth at times. Like the rich fool of this parable, it’s easy to get caught in the trap of foolishness when it comes to money and things.

When the resources we have are used to bless others, we be come a visible example of what it means to be rich toward God. Hoarding and building ‘bigger barns’ for our own comforts and pleasure without regard for God’s purposes for those resources is foolishness (that’s God’s description—not mine).

Notice how Jesus describes the consequences of foolishness:

But God said to him, ‘You fool!  This very night your life will be demanded from you.  Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’  This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”   Luke 12:20-21

The price of foolishness could be our own mortality—your life demanded from you. Regardless, one day each of us will give an account. What will be in your account?

Today’s grandparents have a huge responsibility to promote such wisdom among our grandchildren. It’s not just a parental responsibility. It is ours also. Here are three ways we can do that:

1. By example:  Intentionally not living for our own pleasures (spending on ourselves), but demonstrating generosity and selflessness in the use of the assets God has put into our care;
2. By wise choices: One such choice is to refuse to unwisely spoil our grandchildren with material things. There is nothing wrong with lavishing gifts on our grandchildren at appropriate times, as long as we are equally diligent to teach and model what it means to be rich toward God. Does the way we use our wealth communicate the truth that life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions?
3. By asking good questions: If we want our grandkids to understand the principle of wise stewardship, we can help them in that process by being prepared to ask questions that allow them to evaluate their own attitude towards material possessions. For example:
4. Why do you think God called this man (in the parable) a ‘fool’? What do you think he should have done?

• Have you ever thought about the things you have being a gift from God through which He wants us to bless others
• What are some ways you could do that with what you have?

How would you answer these questions? Would God say to you, “Well done, wise steward?” In general, our generation has not been particularly wise in the way we have handled wealth. But it’s not too late to do something about that if we are willing to “give careful thought to our ways” (See Haggai 1:5-7).

So, instead of spoiling our grandchildren with things, why not spoil them with our time and a little wisdom? Consider these possible options:

• Spend quality time with them—maybe even take them to GrandCamp. It might be one the most worthwhile investments you could make.
• Engage with them in activities that help others in need. Take on a project together to raise money to help with a special need in your area.
• Tell your grandchildren how God has blessed you (not just materially) as you have used your resources to bless others. Encourage them to do the same.

The price of foolishness is too costly. There’s so much at stake, for you and for the next generations… wouldn’t you agree?

GRANDPAUSE: You will invest your life in something, or you will throw it away on nothing. –Haddon Robinson