He is No Fool

Psalm 14:1 (ESV)
¹ The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good. 


April Fools Day...a day of "light-hearted" tricks that has it's origin in the changing of a calendar.  Up until the late 16th century, most countries celebrated the beginning of the new year near April 1, nearest the Equinox - certain traditions had it around March 25.  Then in 1582, Pope Gregory, proclaimed the a new calendar (the Gregorian Calendar) which was a corrective calendar to put the earth year in a much closer proximity to the Solar year.  We still use the Gregorian calendar today.  But the new calendar changed the beginning of the new year to January 1.  According to tradition many people mocked the change of celebrating the new year and continued to celebrate it on April 1.
There are other interpretations of how this day came into being; but my purpose in writing this is to point out that the real fool is the one who ignores, or even defies, God.

In contrast, the wise are people who look for, and look to God in all of life.  I could say more, but let the Psalmist say it most beautifully.

Psalm 111:2-10 (ESV)
²  Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
³  Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
⁴  He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.
⁵  He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
⁶  He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
⁷  The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;
⁸  they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
⁹  He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!
¹⁰  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

SO...you may be tricked today, and let it be a light-hearted thing, but make no mistake, your faith in God is no trick, it's the stuff that makes for real wisdom.

My favorite quote from the martyred Saint, Jim Eliot - "He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

Peace