file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940924.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                      Saturday, September 24, 1994
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READ: Ecclesiastes 10:1-15



                           "A LITTLE FOOLISH"


                    "I saw that wisdom excels folly
                       as light excels darkness."

                           Ecclesiastes 2:13

It was a clearcut case of arson. The perpetrator had torched his 
own home. But he would never be brought to justice. Why? The 
criminal was a jackdaw, a member of the crow family. He had picked 
up a red-hot cigarette and dropped the "prize" into his nest.

The jackdaw's name comes from an old English word used to ridicule 
foolish, thievish, and overly talkative people. The bird lives up 
to its reputation. On the ground it struts about with a swagger; 
in flight, it has a flair for showy aerial displays. And at 
roosting time, the jackdaw loves being part of the noisy crowd.

Some of the most enjoyable people have a similar zest for life. 
Their love of a practical joke and a good laugh makes them the 
highlight of any party. But, like the jackdaw, these happy-go- 
lucky individuals can come up short on discernment. They can 
"start fires" of irritation in their own homes by being foolish 
rather than sensitive to the feelings of others. 

Let's learn from the freewheeling jackdaw and from the author of 
Ecclesiastes (2:13). Although fun and games have their place, a 
joke is never funny when it comes at another's expense. Be careful 
to distinguish between refreshing fun and insensitive foolishness.

-- Martin R. De Haan II

It's good to smile, to laugh, to play.
For joy-filled hearts drive clouds away; But foolish ways and 
thoughtless fun
Can lead to sin and hide the sun.

-- Anon.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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A wise man is like a pin: his head keeps him from going too far.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezekiel 43-45

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