Since the mid to late 19th century, hunting and fishing have changed. You see, what once was done for survival has now become a leisure sporting event for most. People used to harvest animals to live, but many now participate in these activities because they are “fun.” What do you do for fun? What activities do you find yourself involved in because of the enjoyment you find in them? In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon would have something to say about the things we take pleasure in doing. As we briefly look at this Proverb, I want us to consider this question: Am I taking joy or pleasure in the right things?
In Proverbs 10:23, the Bible says, “Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding.” For a proverb, this passage is straightforward. The fool is entertained by sin; the wise man delights in righteousness. Which category are we in? Do we bully or tear down our brothers, sisters, and friends with wicked words for sport (Proverbs 16:27)? Do we make a game out of how close we can get to sexual immorality (Proverbs 7:21-23)? Can we find pleasure in dishonest gain at work (Proverbs 10:2)? The word says these things are fun, God says they are foolish. What about the man of understanding? Do we find happiness in encouraging others (Proverbs 12:25)? Do we truly rejoice in our own spouses (Proverbs 5:18)? Are we hunting after the profit of wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 3:13,14)? The world says this is foolish, but God calls this man one who is full of wisdom and understanding.
With these thoughts in mind, how does one train their heart to desire one activity over the other? When living in a world that is really good at making sin look appealing, how do I teach my mind to enjoy living how God wants me to live? This is a question I want you to study for yourself, but I would start here: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Knowing the Lord changes our desires. We begin to hate what He hates, and love what He loves. There are lots of activities people enjoy participating in. Through a deeper knowledge of God, may learning and walking in His wisdom bring such pleasure and enjoyment to our lives.
-Bryce Mayfield