The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Ecclesiastes 10:2, “A wise man’s heart directs him toward the right, but the foolish man’s heart directs him toward the left.”

Some months ago, I read this verse quoted by a conservative political advocate. It was a cute usage

of Scripture, and no doubt contains some wisdom. But the verse’s intention surely goes further than

that. One commentator says, “…right and left have for centuries been used as referring to good and

bad. In fact, we still use the expression, ‘my right-hand man.’ The heart of the wise always goes in the

right direction.”

Clarke says, “The right hand and the left are used in Scripture to express good and evil. The wise man

is always employed in doing good; the fool, in nonsense or evil.”

Wisdom and foolishness are a heart problem. It isn’t a lack of education; the real problem is a bad

disposition or attitude. As someone noted, “…thoughts determine actions, actions determine habits,

habits determine character, and character determines destiny.” All of that is simply to say: guard your heart. Always to make sure that you are being honest (Proverbs 23:7) and open to the truth (2 Thes. 2:10-12).

Every day we are given choices regarding what we will think about and what we will consider to be of value.

The wise person chooses to set his mind on spiritual realities (Philippians 4:8). The fool allows himself to dwell on the less valuable, the less good, and finally that which is positively evil. This verse also makes it clear that wisdom and foolishness go in opposite directions. The fool will never end up backing his way into what is good and right. Without a serious change of heart, the fool will always be a fool.

Be wise. Examine your opportunities and approach them in the leadership of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit will always lead you in right ways.

May our prayers of love always avail for your blessings,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”