Fools Made Wise #43

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Proverbs 11:11:

By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

The forty-third comic of Fools Made Wise starts with James telling Leroy he made quite a ruckus downtown yesterday when the Mayor was honoring Pop (see comic #42 for that!). Leroy blows that off, and tells James he couldn’t stand how one-sided all the praise was.

James thinks this is quite ironic as Leroy wanting all the praise for himself is extremely one-sided. Instead of seeking all the praise for himself, James suggests that Leroy tries to give the city a blessing for once. This shows us the first part of Proverbs 11:11, that “By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted.”

To help Leroy, James tries to model it for him by giving him prompts to finish. “I love this city because…” Leroy answers: “It always gives Leroy what he needs.” James tries again. “I love this city because…” Leroy’s answers: “It never leaves Leroy without resources to live.”

James is quite frustrated by this and tells Leroy that all his “blessings” are just veiled curses. This shows us the second part of Proverbs 11:11, that “(A city) is overthrown by the mouth of the
wicked.”

This comic ends with Leroy “thanking” James for his help. Just like their city, James has been nothing but helpful to Leroy. He then spits out his real thoughts: “Down with this city and all James’ wonderful modeling!”

When God’s people were in exile, the prophet Jeremiah reminded them in Jeremiah 29:7, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Because of what Jesus did for us, we are to be a people who seek to bless others and not curse them. This blessing should radiate outwards like a bullseye until everyone around us is blessed.

For more from Pastor Travis Woronowicz, visit foolsmadewise.com.

Categories: Fools Made Wise