Last week or so I had started reading through the book of Proverbs for my morning devotions. In Proverbs 1:7, I came across the following:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Prov. 1:7)
After studying out that verse, I felt inspired to write a poem prayer based on it. Because today is April Fools’ Day, I thought it might be appropriate to consider that being a fool is MORE than just falling for some silly prank. Rather, according to Proverbs 1:7, a fool is someone who dislikes “wisdom and instruction.” In the original Hebrew, that word “instruction” is from the Hebrew word muwcar (מוּסָר) which means “discipline, correction.” It is my hope and prayer that, as you read the poem prayer below, you yourself would also NOT want to be a fool, and obey the instructions and corrections of those older than us–and ultimately, the instructions and corrections of God Himself.
May you be blessed! 🙂
I Don’t Wanna Be A Fool!
Dear Almighty God,
Dear Lord of all life—
I pray You’ll purify my heart, soul, and mind
From the foolishness that I’ve within
That despises instruction
And hates discipline for sin.
Because, God I read in Proverbs 1:7
That it is fools who despise instruction.
And Father today I don’t wanna be a fool—
Please give me Your Holy Spirit
To obey every rule.
Fill my whole heart with Your love
To ever follow Your will.
And if I’m ever taught or corrected,
I pray You’ll keep my soul still
To remember that Proverbs 1:7 would always say
That only fools hate instruction,
But it is the wise who obey.
Amen!