Reverend Marco Ste-Marie

Proverbs 18:02 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
    but delight in airing their own opinions.

As followers of a liberating and enlighten faith, we interpret these verses with a lens that prioritizes inclusivity, empathy, and the pursuit of a more equitable society.

In this specific passage, we are reminded of the dangers of selfishness and divisiveness, both on a personal and societal level.

A fool is not interested in learning. They are interested in their own thoughts.

THE FOOL MENTIONED HERE IS NOT MERELY SOMEONE LACKING INTELLIGENCE BUT SOMEONE WHO IS CLOSED OFF to the experiences and insights of others.

Such an individual finds pleasure only in expressing their own opinions, regardless of their accuracy or the impact they may have on others.

They are eager and ready to share their opinions, or spread gossip with no regard for whether they are true or not. 

Or who it will hurt, AS LONG AS THEY FEEL POWERFUL, THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS.

If they cared about truth, they would be more interested in seeking understanding, which they are not.

Many Pharisees in Jesus’ day refused to learn from Him. While others were astonished at Jesus’ teaching, the Pharisees smugly thought they knew all about the Old Testament.

But again the true problem here is that fools don’t see themselves as such, they see the errors in others only, never in themselves.

The real issue at hand lies in the fact that individuals who lack insight fail to recognize their own foolishness and instead only perceive faults in others but never in themselves.

Fools often lack the self-awareness to recognize their limitations or acknowledge their lack of knowledge. They might believe they possess wisdom simply because they are unaware of what they don’t know.

Sometimes, foolish people don’t realize their own limitations or admit that they don’t know everything. They might think they are wise just because they are unaware of what they don’t know.

This verse emphasizes the importance of humility, which is the foundation for learning and gaining understanding.

It reminds us that true wisdom comes from being open to understanding others’ perspectives and acknowledging our limitations, open to learning something new.

In our journey of faith, we are called to be seekers of wisdom and understanding. True wisdom begins with humility, acknowledging that we do not possess all the answers and that our understanding is limited.

Let us also recognize that the pursuit of understanding is ongoing. It is a lifelong commitment to learning and growing.

We should be willing to challenge our assumptions, to unlearn harmful biases, and to embrace new insights that foster a more inclusive and equitable world.

Stay curious and eager to learn: Cultivate a thirst for knowledge and new experiences.

The more you learn, the more you realize how much you still have to learn, which can lead to greater humility.