The older you get, the more you realize the dumber you used to be.
Job 12:12
Would you rather be dumb than stupid?
Is that a trick question?
You might be asking, “Can I have a third option?”
Sure, but first, you have to answer a couple of philosophical questions:
- Was Forrest Gump correct when he said, “Stupid is as stupid does.” ?
- What about a slight variation, “Dumb is as dumb does.” ?
When we do something “dumb”, we’re usually not talking about being “stupid”.
So, let’s take Algebra as a case in point.
If we fail an Algebra test, is it because we’re dumb or stupid?
Maybe “both”…
If we’re stupid, that generally means that we’re not capable of comprehending advanced mathematical concepts. Being dumb goes much deeper… It’s less about aptitude and more about attitude – a lack of concern or an unwillingness to put forth the effort to master it.
And it’s more than just being “lazy”.
If we’re not careful, we find ourselves living in a world where we self-validate our own opinions and become oblivious to the “bigger picture” around us… We don’t care.
Dumb.
Today’s Tiny Words. Big Life. Bible verse finds Job justifying God’s right of sovereignty in the deliverance of both good and evil.
In the earlier chapters, all material things precious to Job, including his home, family, and physical health, had been destroyed by Satan – at God’s instruction and approval. As a result, Job experiences self-pity and anger toward God. His friends, who came to console him, did nothing but make matters worse through bad advice and their own self-promotion.
In the end, Job admonished his friends for their “help” and defended his own beliefs. He also justified that God, in all His power, can and does allow bad things to happen to good people.
But even then, we are to praise Him for His grace and mercy.
Not dumb.
The Tiny Words. Big Life. takeaway is this: Pray to see things as God wants us to see them. Pray for the ability to use both our God-given intelligence, as well as our ignorance, to His glory. And praise Him no matter what, whether in the storms of life or on a beautiful springtime day.
One more thing… I haven’t forgotten about that third option. You know, the one you asked for earlier…
Well, how about this?
After reading about Job and how he came to realize that everything comes from God and we’re to praise Him for His grace and mercy in all things, let’s forget about the third option and end today’s Tiny Words. Big Life. post with a tribute to the wise philosopher, Forrest Gump.
“Blessed does as blessed is.”
Job 12:12
Is not wisdom found among the aged?
Does not long life bring understanding?