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What does it mean to be wise? What does it mean to live rightly? What value is there in pursuing discernment and loving discipline? If none, then let each do as he desires; but if there is something to be gained for earnestly desiring wisdom, seeking to live wisely and inviting discernment and discipline upon our lives, then why do the foolish squander wisdom?

Could it be that the perspective of the foolish is skewed? If the most important thing in my life is me and the pursuit of my own pleasure, then I can understand why choosing the affection of a boy and forsaking the admonition of my community wins over chastity and contentment. Likewise, if all that matters are these momentary enticements and there is no greater future for me, I would choose video games, fairy tales and boyishness over maturity and manhood.

Let’s face it: discipline is hard; contentment is sacrificial; manhood is scary.

So why pursue these things? Why leave behind my childish ways in exchange for the virtues of adulthood?

Perspective. It’s all about perspective.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.Proverbs 9:10

Wisdom accurately sees ourselves in relation to God. He is God (Lord of the earth, center of the universe, creator of all things), I am not. While God is gracious and extends his Hand to all — seeking intimate loving union with us — he is still “holy, holy, holy”. His “otherness” and awesomeness should inspire awe, wonder and humble submission in us.

Some people choose to confine themselves to walking daily in foolishness. “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:14-15)” When the pursuit of our own desires overtakes our minds and becomes the presiding goal of our hearts, our perspective has shifted — God is no longer God — we are.

This is foolishness. It is for the loss of proper perspective that the foolish squander wisdom.