Getting over stupid ∙

Getting over stupid ∙

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction – Proverbs 12:1

Psalms 19:7-11

 7 The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

 8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.

 9 Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.

 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.

 11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

The movie Forrest Gump was released in 1994. Forrest Gump is a simple man from Alabama with an I.Q. of 75. He had a fantastic mother. His “mama” provided him with pearls of wisdom as she taught him how to navigate the vicissitudes of life. He could run like the wind. He joined the Alabama Crimson Tide football team and became an All-American. He decided to join the Army and was sent to Vietnam. There he became friends with Lieutenant Dan and Bubba. In combat, he saves many fellow soldiers, including Lieutenant Dan. Consequently, he wins the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Because of Bubba’s influence, he goes into the shrimping business. Lieutenant Dan joins him. Together they become quite wealthy. He loves to jog and winds up running across America several times with a pack of followers.

However, despite his accomplishments, he can only think of his childhood sweetheart Jenny. Jenny has managed to mess up her life. He takes her in and cares for her. They marry and have a son. Jenny dies soon afterward.

Forrest Gump said, “stupid is as stupid does.” He made it popular in modern American culture and speech. It has been used widely ever since. But being “stupid” is not necessarily a permanent condition. Overcoming “stupid” is possible through living by the Word of God.

Do-it-yourself landscaping represents an investment in time and money. But it is often well worth the effort because it potentially yields beautiful results that last for years. Selecting the right plants and trees is very important. Some folks love to visit local nurseries and find the right plants. Others may prefer to peruse online catalogs and select based on pictures and descriptions.

One fellow did just that. He found just the right palm tree for the right location. He ordered it. When it arrived, it came in a cardboard box. His first cause for concern was the wording on the outside of the box: some assembly is required. That was curious, he thought. Upon opening the box, he discovered that the beautiful palm tree pictured online was not living but plastic. He exclaimed, “this is the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.”

Getting over stupid is not easy. But it begins by recognizing it when it happens.

Psalms 19 begins with a beautiful description of the heavens and their majesty, which speaks volumes without using any words.

However, the Father does use words. They are written in The Scriptures. The words of the Father have great practical and life-changing value.

Psalms 19:7-9 uses six words that are synonyms for the law. The various terms emphasize different aspects of the Father’s Law: instructions, decrees, commandments, commands, reverence, and laws.

The Jewish people call the scrolls of the Law “The Torah,” but the word Law has come to refer to all the Father’s revelation found in the entire Scriptures. The Hebrew word Torah means direction, instruction, or law. Torah comes from the Hebrew root word yarah, which means to point, direct, throw, or cast. It is a verb often associated with shooting arrows. Metaphorically, a teacher yarah (aims) arrows (instruction) to hit the target and achieve specific goals in the students’ lives.

Unlike the textbooks, which are written by men alone, the Word of God is perfect, flawless, and complete. Because human language changes, we require new translations of God’s Word; but the Word of God never needs revision or improvement (Wiersbe)

Great worth and benefit are derived by reading, understanding, meditating on, and internalizing the Father’s truth. Four benefits of the Law are described in Psalms 19:7-8. It revives the soul, giving renewed vitality and strength to one’s whole being. It makes wise the simple. Simple means an inexperienced, uninstructed, naïve person. It rejoices the heart; that is, it brings joy to the person. It enlightens the eyes; that is, it brings understanding and wisdom (UBS).

Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

A simple or stupid person is lacking in common sense or intelligence. They tend to be naïve, easily persuaded, and enticed.

The Father God who created the universe with His almighty power offers to exercise that same power on our behalf to help us speak and think in a way that honors Him. He wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

In our fast-paced lives, we must slow down and ponder the work of the Father’s hands and His spoken words.

Father Your truth is intended to make Your children wise, knowledgeable, deep, and good. Please encourage me to be in Your Word. Release the life and power within it to provide correction and instruction for my life.

INSIGHT

Our heavenly Father gave us the Scriptures to teach us the truth about Himself, facilitate our growth, and correct us when we are wrong. The Word of God is the Father’s owner’s manual for human souls.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

The Scriptures are written to instruct and equip us. Through them, all children of the King may be thoroughly enabled and prepared to handle whatever the Father brings their way.

The times in which we live are not going to get better, but we can become better representatives of the Father no matter how dark and gloomy things become. The Father continually equips us to be effective and carry out His purpose for our lives.

The Father’s will found in the wisdom of the Scriptures is “not dictatorial but benevolent! It is not compulsory but persuasive. The Father encourages us to be good because doing so is what is in our own best interest. His way is the way of leading to fullness of life. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. What physical nourishment does for the body, the word of God does for the soul. The psalmist found delight in the way of the Lord. It was a means of grace” (Tesh and Zorn).

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© Dr. H 2022