Fools, Sluggards, and Liars

No one wants to be labeled a fool, sluggard, or liar, yet there is ample evidence that those fitting these negative labels cause much of modern society’s conflicts and confusion. As pandemic restrictions wane and folks resume normal activities, it seems that troublesome problems in homes, businesses, and academia have worsened dramatically.

Fools

All barriers are down as activists increasingly promote gender confusion, despite all the inherent problems from this deviant behavior. Sordid incidents of sexual assaults and voyeurism have occurred in restrooms, dressing rooms, gymnasium locker rooms, and shower facilities. The salacious fad of choosing to “identify” as a gender other than one’s sex at birth is heavily influenced by popular social media platforms, resulting in enormous peer pressure for emotionally immature young people. Amazingly, school officials, teachers, and much of the medical profession have accepted this madness, supporting the concept and providing gender-altering drugs and surgical procedures. It is an ugly stain on the institutions that once were a positive influence on children.

Speaking of foolishness, King David of Israel wrote, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 53:1). The theme of the Bible’s book of Proverbs is to make the simple (foolish) wise. For example, “Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction” (Proverbs 10:14). Another gem is found in Proverbs 29:9: “If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.” One may overcome being foolish by applying the precepts of righteous living found in the Bible—including the proper roles and behaviors regarding gender.

Sluggards

As business and industry resume activity after almost three years of devastating lockdowns and interruptions, employers are having difficulty finding employees. The Labor Department reports that over three million employable people (some estimate up to eight million) have “dropped out” of the workforce, simply unwilling to return to gainful employment. The various safety net programs of the federal and state governments, which provide a level of income through subsidies for food, rent, and health care, meet their basic needs, so they do not return to the hassle of employment to earn a living. Finding employees that will show up every day, on time, to do their jobs is a challenge for employers. Indolence apparently has its rewards.

The Bible also addresses the subject of being lazy. Proverbs 13:4 reveals that “the soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent will be made rich.” Proverbs 20:4 uses a farming analogy to illustrate this principle: “The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing.” In referring to able-bodied people, the Apostle Paul was plainspoken on this subject: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Liars

The political climate and the contentious nature of vying for governmental power, always intense, is overheated with a spirit of pettiness and partisanship as Western nations grapple with intractable problems. Elected leaders dodge responsibility and cast blame on their opponents while little is accomplished. Unvarnished truth is a casualty as “facts” and “evidence” change with every news cycle. Citizens grow weary of the constant harangue as problems persist. In the private sector, those willing to lie on applications for benefits and to abuse the systems for personal gain are legion. There is clearly a dearth of integrity.

The ninth of the Ten Commandments states, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20). Proverbs 12:19 gives this insight: “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (New Revised Standard Version). Referring to the Scriptures, Jesus Christ set the standard when He said, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

These destructive traits are not new in the annals of history. Human nature, so susceptible to vanity, jealousy, lust, and greed, has been a constant down through time. The Bible, God’s handbook for mankind, presents the cause and the cure of societal ills. The prophet Jeremiah was inspired to write, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Paul explained it this way: “Because the carnal [natural] mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Romans 8:7). There is an evil influence that has negatively affected mankind throughout its history. Satan, the devil, who “deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9), causes havoc wherever he can.

Thousands of years ago, God revealed His code of conduct to guide man’s relationship to Him and to his fellow man. The Ten Commandments, in effect from creation, were codified in Moses’ time (Exodus 20). Observing these basic laws will transform one’s life and society as a whole. One can repent and change, ceasing to engage in destructive traits and instead embarking on a different way of life, putting biblical principles into practice. When this is done consistently, one can enjoy the benefits of wisdom, diligence, and truthfulness.

Amid all the confusion and corruption, where is God truly working to show His way of life that works? You might find the telecast “Would Jesus Choose Your Church?” of great interest. And be sure to check out the rest of what Tomorrow’s World has to offer, today!