"A Convention of Fools"

by Kirby Williams

Text: Proverbs 1:7
Date: 12/17/2009.
Series: "Proverbs" Part 8

What would you think of me if I called our United States Congress a "convention of fools"? What if I extended this statement beyond our country to include the leaders of other countries as well--like the United Nations? What if I said that when the leaders of the world get together to make policy decisions impacting all of our lives and futures, it is little more than a "convention of fools"?

Well, your reaction might be anger if you are politically aligned with any of these groups. If you felt I was degrading them in any way--you might write me nasty letters. But if you are opposed to the current leadership and the direction the world seems to be headed-- you might be delighted for me to call them fools. That is, until I made the same statement about your political party when it comes to power! No, this is not a statement of partisan politics, so neither side needs to get upset with me.

Some of you might respond that I am on dangerous ground, because Scripture tells us we need to have respect for those in authority, and that all authority is ultimately from God (Rom. 13:1). So if I call members of the government 'fools', I would be in grave danger of questioning God's wisdom and sovereignty. True, God is the source of all authority, and we should respect and regularly pray for our leaders--regardless of whether we agree with their policies. But my respect for authority and understanding of God's sovereignty has nothing to do with this statement. I am not committing slander when I say that many if not most of the political leaders in the world today are fools--but rather making a statement of fact!

Prov. 1:7 ... fools despise wisdom and instruction -ESV

Let me hasten to explain, at this point, that I'm using the word 'fool' in the way Solomon uses the word in Proverbs 1:7. So don't write me letters and say I'm in danger of hell's fire! (Matthew 5:22). We have already established, in previous posts, that wisdom is closely tied to the fear of God. In fact, apart from God, true wisdom is impossible. According to Solomon, anyone who does not make decisions based on the fear and knowledge of God, is the worst kind of fool! They are under the delusion that they are the captains of their own fate, and that wise decisions can be made apart from God's direction. This, according to Solomon, is the ultimate statement of foolishness. The word is a harsh one--it means to be "stupid", "thick-brained", "recalcitrant", or "ignorant".

It is important for us to note that intelligence, capability, and "savior faire" have nothing to do with this! Solomon means "ignorant" in the sense of "ignoring" God's instruction and wisdom. So we might have leaders who are brilliant in the ways of the world, have a high IQ, know everything there is to know about international diplomacy, etc., but still are (in Solomon's eyes) utter fools because God has no place in their decision-making.

So what do you think? If our definition of 'fool' is anyone who does not base their day-to-day decisions on the fear, knowledge, and wisdom of God; someone who is under the delusion that God is not sovereign; someone, who might have been educated in the best universities, have tremendous experience, and the best contacts, but who has left God out of their life; if this is the definition of a fool--then what is your assessment? Are your political leaders 'fools' or not?

From my perspective--I see precious few leaders who are seeking God's answers first. Thankfully, there are a few. But there should be more! In Solomon's way of thinking, it is preposterous, unthinkable, and totally foolish to elect officials to office who have no fear or understanding of the Almighty God. So next time you go to the ballot box, ask yourself the question-- am I electing an official who will exercise authority according to God's plan? Or am I voting for just another fool?

Blessings.

-pastor kirby