Don’t Be A Fool!
August 6, 2025
Recently, I had the opportunity to watch people my age (60+) interact with people under 40 years of age. The 60+ person asked a question and the under 40 person answered. Then the over 60+ person launched into a long story that started with “Well, when I was a kid…” or “I did that once and here is how I succeeded…” and what followed was lots of unsolicited advice. It reminded me a little of those commercials where a life coach is working with young homeowners to prevent them from turning into their parents. While some might view these commercials as disrespectful to the 60+ generation, I think they are funny because there is so much truth in them.
Shortly after my observation opportunities, I read 2 Corinthians 10:12 where Paul says:
Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! (NLT)
And the related verse in Proverbs 26:12:
There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise. (NLT)
Like many scriptures I read, this gives me pause. I asked the Lord to show me where I had been a fool for comparing myself to others or holding myself up as a standard to measure the younger generation. Alas, He gave me ample examples.
But, thank the Lord for His grace! He did not leave me in that place of stark truth without giving me a way out. He is always interested in high-quality relationships, so He let me know that launching into a story about how hard I had it or how much better my approach was is a discouragement to the younger generation. It shuts down the conversation and discourages future conversations. It also squashes hope! The Lord reminded me that we all have talents and gifts. There is no good or bad. There is no right or wrong. There are just different stages of maturing in those gifts and life experiences. We are all at different stages in developing those gifts. Comparing is foolish.
Instead of saying “When I was a kid, blah, blah…,” I should be saying “I remember how that feels, but if I got through it, you will too!” Then, be wise enough to shut up and listen. I am surprised how much I can learn when I take the spotlight off me. Wisdom is found in empathy, not advice giving. Wisdom is also found in silent listening.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord for your grace. Show me the areas where I am being a fool according to 2 Corinthians 10:12 so I can repent. As I have conversations with others, particularly with the younger generations, remind me that we are all at different stages in developing our gifts and life experiences. Remind me to use empathy, and that listening is a wise choice. Amen.