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Brent Riggs - Saying What's On Your Mind
Foolishness is lack of wisdom. Foolish behavior manifests itself in various forms and choices.
"A fool's wrath is known at once...." Foolish behavior can be very obvious. Many times fools shoot off their mouths whenever and wherever they feel like it. They especially do this when they are mad, insulted, or offended. Fools can often be heard bragging how they just "say what's on their mind" or "tell it like it is."
Why is it foolish to have a quick, sharp tongue? What is wrong? What is missing?
" It reveals a lack of self control
" It shows that a person has not learned meekness and temperance
" It means this person hasn't matured past the point of being constantly on guard of their feelings
" It is evidence that self is the top priority - self has not been "crucified in Christ"
Someone who is easily or frequently annoyed and irritated is primarily motivated by "self concern." They find themselves annoyed because another person spoke ill of them or did not say what should have been said. They become irritated when events happen that do not revolve around them or benefit them in any way. They are frequently impatient, voicing criticism when things don't happen exactly the way they want.
A foolish person is easily irritated or annoyed, and he will surely tell you all about it.
In addition, the fool always has a great reason for his irritation, and he will gladly share that with you as well.
On the contrary, a wise man is thoughtful in response, and as a rule, overlooks insults or offenses. The wise man has eternal interests at heart and is more concerned with leading the other person closer to God. The wise man is not concerned with making sure everyone knows he is mad or offended. This wise person sees others through the Lord's eyes and discerns the spiritual need that is underlying the behavior. A wise man loves others enough to see past the offense and into the sin that needs to be dealt with.
1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." (NKJV)
The fool is worried about personal feelings. The wise man is concerned with helping the offender turn to God. The fool sees his own critical impatience as merited and justified. The wise man gives no thought to how he personally feels, but seeks to discern only what God would do.
Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (NKJV)
If you fit the description of someone who is easily offended or often irritated and you make sure those around you know about it, please do an evaluation of who is sitting on the throne of your life. If you are quick to anger and annoyed at others, it is evidence that your own "self interest" is the king of your life, instead of Christ.
