Why Foolishness Abounds

Yesterday we shared that it’s vital for leaders and rising leaders to dispense wise counsel.  A failure to do so hurts themselves and others.

No one wants a fool for a leader.

However, just because wisdom is valuable doesn’t mean it’s present.  The world and, as a byproduct, many church leaders subject themselves and others to foolishness.

Let‘s start with why this is the case.

“For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.”

Worldly wisdom is Godly foolishness.  And there‘s a lot of worldly wisdom!

That starting point places most people in foolish territory, especially those who have achieved success based on such wisdom. They will be unlikely to contradict themselves when asked to give wise counsel.

But the problem doesn’t stop with just foolishness’ widespread adoption.

That which is actually Godly wisdom often appears foolish.  Perversely, someone who wants to appear wise may actually turn away from Godly counsel.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than men.”

This means you cannot take for granted that the leaders you raise, perhaps even you yourself, are providing Godly counsel.  After all, common sense, your track record, the thought leadership of others — could all be seen as wisdom when, in reality, they are folly.

This means that, without intentional training on how to give wise counsel, you may be doing the opposite, giving reckless words that hurt others and yourself.

Questions:   

1. Do you believe you are already giving wise counsel, despite the challenges of doing so described above?   
2. How do you know that the leaders you are raising or rising alongside with are able to give wise counsel?   
3. What have you done or currently do to ensure wisdom is cultivated in a way leaders provide wise counsel?