In my childhood, it wasn’t really the done thing at home to call anyone an idiot. It was like swearing really.
That meant, obviously, that when my parents weren’t paying attention we would often use that very same word to address our frustrations at a sibling’s disruptive or silly behaviour. Indeed to emphasise just how low we thought of each other we would go as far as to say ‘you stupid idiot’.
Yep, we were really wild and rebellious back in the day.
As it transpired when I looked up the word ‘idiot’ it actually took me straight back to the word ‘stupid’. So in essence calling a sibling (or anyone else) a ‘stupid idiot’ was as good as calling someone a ‘stupid stupid’. Which of course didn’t make us look silly at all. (Sarcasm Alert.)
What’s also interesting about the term idiot, though, is that it refers to someone without any sense.
It’s only fitting that the wise man in his book on wisdom makes a big deal of highlighting the person without sense. It makes sense to refer to the one with no sense. That is so that we are clear on why it’s important to get wisdom in the light of the negative consequences that could take place.
After all, you wouldn’t want to look like an idiot, right?
In chapter 7, however, the scene the wise father points out is just so … tragic. You have a simple young man among simple young people finding himself in the wrong place at the wrong time listening to the wrong person giving wrong information that leads to wrongdoing. In all of that what’s interesting is the power of words.
The adulterous woman seduces this simple young man with her words. They are enticing, they are alluring, they are inviting, they are are drawing him in. There seems to be nothing at all wrong with what she’s saying. She sounds so good. This deal sounds so sweet. She’s really happy, she’s in a really good place and of all the men in all the world, she wants to share her happiness with me. She really wants me.
It doesn’t take too much to entice a bloke – whether he’s a simple young man, or a simple older man. Just appeal to his pride, just flatter him and make him feel as though he is the only one that can make the difference. He’s the man that can get the job done. Tickle him there, entice him there, draw him in on those issues, and even the strongest man becomes putty in the hands of a woman who is used to getting men to do her bidding.
What that states quite clearly is that women can be incredibly persuasive. Obviously we didn’t know that, so I’m glad to have made that known to you. (Sarcasm Alert.)
Take it back though and there remains some key lessons for us – young or old – to learn.
Be careful where you are and where you are going. The simple young man was in the wrong place at the wrong time to begin with. Some of us might find ourselves in a place that seems comfortable and satisfying, but is actually not far from negative forces leading us down a path to destruction. In the simple young man’s case it was fairly obvious – I mean the woman was dressed like a prostitute, so the signs should have been clear – but it only takes a few soothing words for us to forget about the obvious.
Another critical lesson to learn is to be aware of people or things that entice. Something good requires little in the way of enticement. If it’s good, the goodness itself should speak for itself. This is why Jesus says that by the fruit you tend to get the hint as to the type of tree you’re dealing with. It’s not just the words that matters, it’s the end product that gives things away. The reality remains that a lot of things that entice tend to be a lot of hot air with no substance. Or worse still the sort of substance you don’t really want to be inhaling if you like living.
This is why the wise man urges for the sons to get wisdom and sense, to make sure they embrace these so they don’t end up in a position from which they’ll struggle to emerge.
The pursuit of wisdom above all else makes all the sense in the world. Pursuing that will mean there’s little to no time for being distracted by tempting and alluring distractions.
It’s great advice as well to stop us ending up being a stupid idiot.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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