A Fool

No doubt Pharaoh is an educated man. But he is a fool. In Proverbs, Solomon continually contrasts the wise with the foolish. The foolish are not people with low IQ's. They are people who do not hear and respond when God calls to them in his Word. Pharaoh is one such person.

Read Proverbs 10:17-32

Read Exodus 11

We read in Proverbs 10:25, "When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever."

The tempest is almost upon Pharaoh. Here God tells Moses what he will do to free them. All Egypt will mourn when God punishes them. Israel, however, will be delivered from the devastating plague on the firstborn. They show themselves to be wise by listening to God's instructions.

Pharaoh does not listen, and is a fool. The Lutheran Study Bible helps us understand that term. We read, "When the Bible in general - and Proverbs in particular - speaks of foolishness, the first and most important point to remember is that it describes a moral and spiritual condition...The fool is one who does not have the proper fear of the Lord. Consequently, such a person is likely to deny God's Word." (TLSB p. 1016)

So, do we have the proper fear of God? Do we deny God's Word or take it seriously? Do we hear God's warnings and commandments and know that to walk in his ways is life, and to disobey is death? So many people think God's rules are outdated. Then they wonder why they are terribly suffering so! And then they feel outraged that God is punishing them. Really, God is only chastising gently! They are feeling the consequences of their own actions. They are punishing themselves.

The wages of sin is death. The fool does not understand this. May God strengthen us to be wise! The wise see their sins forgiven in Jesus. The wise hunger for God's commands so they know how to live. The wise seek God's strength to walk in his ways. Lord, Jesus, strengthen me!

Ask Yourself:

How have I been foolish lately?

What is the wise Word of God telling me to do instead?

What can I do to turn fools into wise people?

Pray:

Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from your Son
And bring to nought all he has done.

Lord Jesus Christ, your power make known,
For you are Loud of lords alone;
Defend your holy Church that we
May sing your praise triumphantly.

O Comforter of priceless worth,
Send peace and unity on earth;
Support us in our final strife
And lead us out of death of life.

(LSB 655)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!