I believe in the fall
wisdom shouts and we scroll past
I believe in the Fall—the Biblical account of humanity’s first disobedience, as told through the story of Adam and Eve—not as a literal event, but as a profound figurative truth. It resonates because human beings consistently display a troubling tendency to ignore what’s right and true. We turn away from truth with habitual ease, often embracing delusion with a kind of reckless pride. Despite Wisdom’s urgent and public cry—”She raises her voice in the public square,” as Proverbs so vividly puts it—we persist in our self-important ways, deaf to her call and blind to the consequences.
Wisdom shouts in the street,
Proverbs 1:20-25, New American Standard Bible
She lifts her voice in the square;
At the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
At the entrance of the gates in the city, she utters her sayings:
“How long, O naive ones, will you love simplicity?
And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing,
And fools hate knowledge?
“Turn to my reproof,
Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
“Because I called, and you refused;
I stretched out my hand, and no one paid attention;
And you neglected all my counsel,
And did not want my reproof . . .
Wisdom shouts and we scroll past.
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
Proverbs 9:12, New American Standard Bible
wisdom as a resource
Although age alone doesn’t grant wisdom, experience thoughtfully lived does. Now that I’m old enough to look back over a wide stretch of life, I’ve realized something unexpected: wisdom is a resource—for me. It doesn’t always translate, persuade, or prevent when shared. But like a patient investment, wisdom accrues value over time—available to anyone willing to engage in reflection and growth.
It’s often easier to accept good advice on the big, frightening issues—the ones that keep us awake at night—than on the smaller, everyday matters. Fear tends to be a stronger motivator than reason. When everything seems fine, we tend to dismiss advice from others, when people often make stupid decisions when everything is fine.
Growth in character happens gradually, little by little. If we want to grow wiser, the first step is to pay attention to advice—no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Wisdom may be speaking.
Listen actively. Learn openly. Ask questions. Consider the possibility—even the remote one—that you might be mistaken. If you haven’t received advice lately, ask yourself whether it might be because of how you responded the last time. Perhaps you’re more resistant than you realize.
Of course, sometimes the problem lies with the advice-giver. They may offer unsolicited counsel, enjoy hearing themselves talk, or come across as judgmental or arrogant. When receiving unasked-for advice from such voices, it’s often best to smile sweetly and say, “I’ll think about it—thanks for caring.”
But if each of us commits to growing in grace and wisdom, we can help make the world—and our families—better places.
And one last thing: When tempted to offer unasked-for advice, don’t.
Simple.
Leave a Reply