Several years ago, my manager from a previous laboratory and I were discussing the importance of following established protocols. He was lamenting the fact that not only were protocols not being followed, sometimes new protocols were literally being created on the spot by random individuals, without the approval of management. As he expressed his frustration, he declared out loud, “Why are they doing this?”
I chuckled and dismissively shook my head as he quickly added, “But let me tell you the wisest thing anyone ever said to me!”
“Do tell!”
As I was complaining about this situation out loud, one of my couriers in the same room spoke up and offered this witticism, “Do not try to study ignorance!”
A voice of reason in the din of mediocrity! Give this man a promotion!
“You should have made him supervisor of your couriers!” I laughed.
“No! He is waaay too smart to accept that position. He is content and happy to remain in the position that he is in. He knows there is too much frustration trying to manage other people!”
We both smiled, agreeing with his wisdom. It is relevant for company employees who create their own protocols, contradicting their managers and supervisors. It is relevant for those who ignore government warnings during a pandemic and violate social distancing. It is a modern-day proverb, built upon the wisdom of the following verses from the Bible written thousands of years ago.
Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
Proverbs 14:7 (NLT)
Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.
Proverbs 26:4 (NLT)
The word “fool” appears many times in the Bible. While it can mean many disparaging things, it is often the result of sinful pride, arrogance and ignorance. A fool thinks that their way is the best, often blinding them to all other options. Even if one can logically and concisely explain why their actions are wrong, a fool will ignore it and stubbornly cling to their opinion.
The Bible’s lessons for life are eternal and unchanging because ignorant people, unwilling to listen to the voices of authority and wisdom, will always remain. It is our sinful nature that leads to ignorance. I was no different. It cannot be reasoned with or explained away. Only by acknowledging God as the source of all wisdom was I able to finally break the pattern of my foolish behavior and understand the cause of my ignorance.
Do not try to study ignorance!
Amen!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 