DON’T BE A FOOL 6
2 Corinthians 11:16-23
Further to our discussion in the last few days on who is a fool in biblical reasoning, we bring you another definition today. In our text, you can see the Apostle Paul boasting about his accomplishments. He outlined his strengths, his achievements, his sufferings and the grace he enjoyed as well as his physical accomplishments in the service of the Lord. At the end, he said “I speak as a fool”. What could have led Apostle Paul to this level of foolery? Let’s look at his words again:
In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise. . . Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (NIV).
If you read from the previous chapter and this chapter in full, you will get the full gist. The Corinthian church was planted on the Word and not the traditions of Jews. But there came certain preachers turning their attention to other doctrines spoiling the good foundation Paul laid. He had to admonish the church and set things right. And in replying to those preachers, he had to boast a little. But he knew it was foolish to boast and he admitted that much!
Beloved, it is foolishness to boast about what you have; what you did; what position you are. All you are and have are gifts from God. No man can receive anything except it is given by God. So why boast? Boasting has its roots in pride. It comes from comparing your achievements with others and concluding you are better off because you think it is by your prowess you achieved that much. As we have consistently stated, we are not achievers but receivers. Boasting is not from God but the pride of man. And God resists the proud. Stop boasting. What you are is from God. It is foolish to boast of what isn’t really yours. Don’t be a fool.
MEDITATION: But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18.
