17:24 – Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
I’m reminded of a story about the late Stephen Covey. He was addressing an audience and asked who thought reading for development was important. Everyone raised their hand. When he followed up and asked who was currently reading a book to help them develop personally or professionally, less than 3% of the audience kept their hands up.
He asked, “Why?” After a long silence, someone said, “Because books don’t ring.” Books don’t vie for our attention, so we don’t pay attention to them.
It’s just like that with Wisdom. Wisdom doesn’t “ring.” The world is full of sights, sounds, sensations which “ring” for our attention. As we become focused on the ends of the earth (not apocalyptically, but as goals or outcomes), we lose sight of Wisdom,
In Proverbs, the “fool” is that person who knows what they should do, and acts foolishly anyway. We know where we should focus, yet we focus on what is ringing.
We have all been fools and allowed something to command our attention. Who (or what) should be commanding your attention – you or someone else?
God and Christ promise They will never leave or forsake us. Our Savior and Our Lord are always there. While They want our attention, They won’t command our attention. God gave that power – that choice – to us.
What choice are you making? Who commands your attention?
Do you command your attention? Or, does it wander?
