The book of Proverbs focuses on wisdom that comes from above. It contains many contrasts between wisdom and foolishness. Several passages describe one who lacks sense, which means he is void of understanding or wisdom. Paul said we are to “walk, not as unwise men but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). So let us consider some of the passages from Proverbs about those who lack sense and see what we can learn from them.
One Who Lacks Sense Believes That Ignorance Is Bliss
“Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight” (Proverbs 15:21).
One who lacks sense rejoices in folly. The word for folly means foolishness, which can mean many things, depending on the context. In this verse, it is contrasted with understanding which results in one walking uprightly (KJV). In this foolish condition, one simply does what is “right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). He has no concern for any higher law than his own conscience.
However, ignorance of the law does not exempt one from the law – particularly God’s law. Paul told the brethren in Thessalonica that when Jesus returns, He will “[deal] out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:8). We can be “destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Rather than having joy over folly, we should have “sorrow that is according to the will of God [which] produces repentance” (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Do not be like the one who lacks sense. Learn God’s will and obey it (Psalm 119:33; James 1:21-22).
One Who Lacks Sense Pursues Worthless Things
“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues worthless things lacks sense” (Proverbs 12:11).
The word things is not in the original text, but was added by the translators. The King James Version uses the word persons. The wise man’s point was that we must not pursue what is worthless or of no value. First, do not follow after worthless persons. Paul warned, “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). We should try to influence those around us (Matthew 5:16), not be influenced by them for evil. Second, do not pursue worthless things. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings of this life, we need to remember that they do not bring any lasting satisfaction. Solomon was able to obtain houses, vineyards, gardens, parks, ponds, and more; yet he recognized that it was all “vanity and striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:4-7, 11). Third, do not be devoted to worthless activities. Again, Solomon enjoyed entertainment – such as “male and female singers” – but he realized that it was of “no profit under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:8, 11). It may be fine to enjoy certain hobbies, but we must keep them in their place.
We are to focus on the work that God has given us to do. The verse above mentioned work. God expects His people to work hard to provide for themselves (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10). In addition to this, we also have other responsibilities we are to carry out – studying the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15), praying to God (1 Thessalonians 5:17), assembling with the saints (Hebrews 10:25), and more. We cannot allow worthless persons, things, or activities to pull us away from what God wants us to do.
Do not be like the one who lacks sense. Work hard at the tasks that God has given (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
One Who Lacks Sense Despises His Neighbor
“He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent” (Proverbs 11:12).
The term neighbor is not limited to a person that lives near us. When Jesus was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29), His answer indicated that anyone we encounter should be treated as a neighbor (Luke 10:30-37). To despise means to view someone with contempt or see them as being insignificant. We need to recognize the inherent value of each individual as one who has “been made in the likeness of God” (James 3:9; cf. Genesis 1:27). We are to love others as God has loved us (1 John 4:11).
We often show contempt for our neighbor by not keeping silent. Much harm can be done by the improper use of the tongue (James 3:5-6). We need to be careful with our speech, particularly as it affects those around us. Paul wrote, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:5-6). We must avoid speech with our neighbor that is “unwholesome,” instead speaking “only such a word as is good for edification…so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
Do not be like the one who lacks sense. Seek peace with others rather than strife (Proverbs 20:3).
One Who Lacks Sense Commits Adultery
“The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; he who would destroy himself does it” (Proverbs 6:32).
The wise man warned his son not to commit adultery with “his neighbor’s wife” (Proverbs 6:29). While all sin is wrong, the sin of adultery is one in which it is difficult to find forgiveness from others (Proverbs 6:30-35). Adultery is one of the sins about which Paul warned the Corinthians that would cause one to “not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9). But it is not just adultery that is condemned – lusting after a woman is also condemned: “Do not desire her beauty in your heart… Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Or can a man walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?” (Proverbs 6:25, 27-28; cf. Matthew 5:27-28). God wants us to have “a pure heart” (1 Timothy 1:5).
God has given marriage as the relationship in which sexual desires can be fulfilled. Paul told the brethren in Corinth, “Because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2). We are to be content in the marriage relationship – enjoying the sexual relationship with our spouse (Proverbs 5:15-20) – and exercise self-control (Acts 24:25).
Do not be like the one who lacks sense. Hold marriage “in honor” and remain “undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4).
Conclusion
The wisdom of God has been revealed to us in His word. If we lack sense, it is because we have not taken enough time to learn the Scriptures. Let us study God’s word and apply it so we will not be like those who are lacking sense.
