Proverbs 17: 23-28

23 The wicked accept bribes in secret 

   to pervert the course of justice.

 24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, 

   but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

 25 A foolish son brings grief to his father 

   and bitterness to the mother who bore him.

 26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, 

   surely to flog honest officials is not right.

 27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, 

   and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

 28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, 

   and discerning if they hold their tongues.

Usually I run several days ahead when studying for these Bible study posts. But I had complete hang up for today's study. I spent from last Wed through last Saturday just mulling it over in my mind. We've visited the subject of fools many times in our study of Proverbs and as usual, I wanted to do something that either blessed us or stepped on our toes. Because that's kind of how I like these studies to go, you know? 

Then it happened. I had a fool's moment. 

(Kind of like a Proverbial blonde moment?)

Saturday afternoon my kids and husband were all home. Yes, that is nice, and I do love it. But a moment alone for is a rare, sweet occasion. Suddenly Saturday I found that moment. Actually 16 of them. Because I timed it. 16 minutes of completely alone-ness bliss. Husband and one child were gone to the store.

Other two kids decided to run to the gas station to buy some pop. (I don't buy it or keep it here--they want it--they have to get it themselves.)

16 minutes. It started out great! I grabbed a load of sorted dirty laundry, raced down the basement stairs, switched laundry from washer to dryer and hamper to washer in record time. Then I started to head back upstairs, calculating in my head what else I could get done in my few minutes of bliss.

Then it happened. I was a fool.

I committed the following sins over the next five minutes.

1) Lust of the flesh

2) Covetousness

3)Stealing

4) Dishonesty

You see, I knew that Seth had some of these stashed in his room (because I bought them for him the day before):

And I coveted them. Then I stole one. Then I ate it, savoring that sugary goodness. Which is where I lied to myself because there was nothing good for me about it. And the next thing you know...the family is home. 

I spent my 16 minutes in a foolish way. Yes, this was a bit light-hearted. But don't let that stop you from getting the moral of the story. Throughout our day we have moments. Here and there. Little bits of time that we could use for good...or that we can use as a fool would use them. 

Today in your journals, title a page "Sweet 16". 

Then list 16 things that you can do when you have a spare moment here or there. Don't rush through writing this list. Pray over it..take a few days. Then next time you have a free moment, you'll have a go-to list to help you stay on the straight and narrow; and maybe you'll not fall into the same trap has your hillbilly friend and her foolish fudgy pugdy 16 moments.

I've not written all 16 myself yet..but here's a few to get you started. (remember these are short little things you can do in short moments of time):

1. Read a chapter of Psalms

2. Pray for someone that needs salvation

3. dust one room of the house

4. Refresh: brush hair, teeth, change a shirt if needed ( I have a toddler..this is often needed!)

5. Walk around the block

6. Drink a whole glass of water and eat some celery.

7. Write a quick love note to husband or a child and leave it where they will find it sometime later that day

Now, you may be wondering what in the world this has to do with today's passage. Well, it doesn't...directly. In fact, we have mentioned on most occasions that 'fools' in the book of Proverbs means the unsaved. But,sometimes, we do foolish things; and that is what I felt led to talk to you about today. 

Have fun making your sweet 16 list. We can go discuss it on our secret fb page if you like. It will be fun coming up with things and sharing them with each other.