“It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.” Proverbs 10:23 (KJV)
How many times have we said or heard it said, “I was just kidding” or “We were just having fun”? Many criminals have gone to jail for something that started out as a mischievous prank. Their mischief was a sport to them, but their foolishness became a serious crime.
Consider that pranks can be misunderstood. Mischief can quickly escalate into serious trouble. People can misunderstand the prankster’s motives. The recipient of the prank can be insulted, offended, or even physically hurt. Feelings can be hurt and tempers can flare. Retaliation is common and problems almost always erupt from it. It has always been interesting to me that the prankster usually doesn’t like it when he/she is the recipient of a prank. Families have been destroyed by what began as a foolish prank then got out of hand. Individuals have been killed as a result of a prank or a retaliatory prank. Is there any wonder why they are called “foolish pranks”? It is because a fool (person without understanding) “plays” his/her mischief as a sport at someone else’s expense.
According to the teacher of Proverbs, anyone who possesses wisdom will understand how mischief can create problems and trouble. The inference is that a wise person will not be involved in the sport of mischief. Something to think about!
Dear Father, thank you for your wisdom. Empower us to be men and women of understanding and act accordingly. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your wise understanding,