Annapolis Karate Club Spiritual Training Curriculum

20 Wise vs. Foolish

Kata/Knowledge

Wisdom is without a doubt the most valuable asset a person can possess, the easiest to acquire and yet the least often pursued. To be wise means to have knowledge and understanding in order to make sound decisions or good judgements. We have all done things that made us feel or look stupid or foolish. We can learn from our mistakes, or we can keep making the same mistakes. Einstein once said, “If you think you can solve your problems with the same thinking you used when you created them you are insane.” Gaining wisdom involves being teachable, open to critique, feedback, or comments, without becoming defensive. Here are some scriptures to consider:

Prov. 1:5 That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; That the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel: Prov. 3:7 Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil. Prov. 3:35 The wise will inherit glory, But shame will be the promotion of fools. Prov. 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it. Prov. 9:8 Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Prov. 9:9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Prov. 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; But a foolish son brings grief to his mother. Prov. 10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, But he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame. Prov. 10:8 The wise in heart accept commandments, But a chattering fool will fall. Prov. 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near ruin. Prov. 11:14 Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, But in the multitude of counselors there is victory. Prov. 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls. Prov. 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who is wise listens to counsel. Prov. 12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, But the tongue of the wise heals.

To be clear, there is worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom. This worldly wisdom is sometimes referred to as “street smarts” or cleverness. People can gain this type of wisdom through trial and error and of course with age comes wisdom. This worldly wisdom is useful to help one survive life yet it doesn’t bring true peace and happiness it just gets us through the day without making too many mistakes. Worldly wisdom can include how to “make a buck” or how to “have things your way” or “how to get people to Annapolis Karate Club Spiritual Training Curriculum like you”. The scriptures say this type of wisdom just doesn’t compare to the wisdom of God: 1Cor. 1:20 “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn’t God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” And also in 1Cor. 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He has taken the wise in their craftiness.”

Godly wisdom on the other hand is much more than just surviving. In James 3:17 we read, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” What are some of the benefits of wisdom?” Eccl. 7:11 “Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.” Eccl. 7:12 “For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.” Eccl. 7:19 “Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.”

In reflection you might become aware that most people seem to seek out other people with wisdom. We enjoy being around wise people. We’re impressed with those who are wise, sometimes even in awe of them. There’s a situation comedy we used to watch where one of the characters lacked wisdom. Every time he would make a decision he was quite confident with himself and within seconds of making his decision he would say, “I think I’ve made a huge mistake!” Of course he never seemed to learn from his bad decisions either. If it wasn’t so funny it would be sad – he was quite the fool.

How do we get this Godly wisdom? The answer is found in James 1:5, look it up! Your study leader will ask you for the answer.

Suggested Memory Verses: (memorize any of these verses and a name of God for this week’s spiritual training)

Prov. 3:13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. Prov. 3:19 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth. By understanding, he established the heavens.

God’s Names: Wisdom, Wisdom of God

Bunkai/Understanding What does this passage teach you about God or about yourself? Annapolis Karate Club Spiritual Training Curriculum

Renzoku Bunkai/Wisdom

How will you apply this understanding of God and yourself in your life this week?

How do you respond to situations where others are trying to give you feedback or trying to correct you? a. I ignore it b. I defend myself c. I feel bad d. I feel guilty e. I get angry f. I argue with them g. I stew (dwell on it) about it for hours h. I hate it i. I’m indifferent about it j. I enjoy it

What is the highest intent behind criticism?

How can you use this concept in karate? In Japanese there are 45 words for “foolish” and 87 words for “wisdom”. Here are some Japanese terms for wisdom: Rikou: Clever, shrewd, bright, [advantage, benefit, profit] Eichi: Intelligence, intellect, wisdom Chie: wisdom, wit, sagacity, keen mental discernment and good judgement Rihatsu: intelligence, cleverness, wisdom Gosei: wisdom, understanding, emphasizing one’s speech [discern, enlightenment, perceive, realize, understand] Saiki: quick-witted, resourceful, showing a flash of brilliance, having a keen intellect [genius] Annapolis Karate Club Spiritual Training Curriculum

Additional notes from Bible Study and Karate Class: