Proverbs 10:32:
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
The thirty-second comic of Fools Made Wise starts with Pop wanting to talk with Leroy. He tells Leroy that his decisions these past few months— but then is cut off by an angry Leroy. Leroy tells him that he already knows what Pop is going to say (example: “Oh, Leroy, you’re so lazy; you steal everything and work for nothing”).
Leroy wants Pop to save it, and tells Pop that since they haven’t done anything for Leroy these past few years, that it is time for him to leave. He tells Pop that he wants to find a new family, one who will accept him without all the outrageous demands. Yikes! This shows us the second part of Proverbs 10:32, that the mouth of the wicked is perverse. This is no way to address your father, ESPECIALLY after he HAS done so much for you.
After Leroy finishes his angry tirade, Pop hugs Leroy and tells him that if that’s what he wants to do, he wants him to remember that they love him and will be praying for him on his journey. This shows us the first part of Proverbs 10:32, that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable. Pop shows us that love AND firm boundaries are possible at the same time.
The comic ends with Leroy pushing Pop off of him, telling him that all this affection nonsense makes Leroy sick. What Leroy wants is love without truth, but Pop shows him (and us) that love AND truth go hand in hand. Love without truth is permissive; truth without love is cold. May Jesus help us be people who combine truth AND love in our interactions with others!
For more from Pastor Travis Woronowicz, visit foolsmadewise.com.
Categories: Fools Made Wise