THE WISE ASKS QUESTIONS

1Corinthians 1:20 KJV
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Dear Believer,

I remember today the story of a clan of rats being tormented by a very vicious cat. This cat killed many of them and stuck fear into their hearts till they decided to have a conference and deliberate on how to eliminate this existential threat.

As one rat brought up one strategy and another raised a suggestion, their wisdom seemed exhausted. None of those so-called solutions could work.

Until one elderly rat mentioned a fabulous fabulous way of dealing with the issue once and for all.

“My brethren and the whole population of ratdom, in view of all I have just enumerated, I propose that we bell the cat,” he said importantly.

“The matter is as simple as tying a bell around his neck,” the wise rat continued. “So whenever he comes close, we’d hear the ringing of the bell and run for cover. This, friends, is the final solution!”

The whole conference erupted into singing and dancing. Why hadn’t anyone thought about this ingenious idea before? So marvelously novel!

As they danced and horrayed, a little young rat kept trying to get everyone’s attention. He was knocked here and there by the carvoting movement of the boogying rats. When they were finally able to calm down a little enough to hear what the little rats was saying, their elation was punctured

“But…” says the little rat haltingly, “who will bell the cat?”

No one could answer that!

You see, some ‘words of wisdom’ or a great solution may seem foolproof until we start asking questions, and suddenly they don’t seem that wise anymore.

It is said of Socrates, the Greek wise man and philosopher, that he was very wise, not because he knew the answers to every question, but because he knew how to ask questions.

The wisest of us are those who have learnt that questions are what draws out solutions. God has no use for anyone who thinks he knows it all.

In the ministry of Jesus, when someone tried to show that he was wiser than the rest, a question or two from Jesus usually exposed their foolishness.

Friend, when you think you’ve figured out everything about a matter, pause and ask questions from yourself, or God. You may think you’ve mastered the situation, and like those dancing rats, start a dance on a foolish quest.

Remember that the Holy Spirit is a Teacher. You can ask Him about things and situations. The apostles did so. Wise believers do so.

God has made foolish the wisdom of this world, but He responds in kindness to the questions of his humble children.

Ask God about that thing that has been your concern, and then patiently wait for an answer. You will avoid a lot of trouble by doing so.

May you always hear the Spirit of God clearly in the name of Jesus.

Have a beautiful day.

Amen.

Your friend,
Deon.