As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7 

Wisdom is defined as  “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting” whereas understanding is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance”.  So knowing what is right or wrong is important but the practical experience of implementing action and reflection on its consequences is also required.

Wisdom without understanding does not suffice.  Honour and progress only occurs when you hold wisdom and understanding within your heart.  So how can we learn wisdom?  Confucius claimed there were three ways to learn wisdom

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”

Confucius

I like the way he tells us the easiest way, is to imitate someone who is wise.  That is easy to relate to.  You get to see an example in front of you and you copy it.  Or with experience you learn through trial and error, which can be very painful and take time. Or as proverbs more eloquently but crudely puts it,

"As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly"

Proverbs 31

Reflection is described as the noblest perhaps because you work it out yourself using your own rational ability.

But real grace and honour will never be dependent on what you acquire but on what service you carry out as a result of this wisdom and understanding. Or in the words of Zoroaster,

“One good deed is worth a thousand prayers.”

Zoroaster

It also brings benefits not just to the recipient as he further explained,

“Doing good for others is not a duty.  It is a joy, for it increases your own health and happiness.”

Zoroaster

In fact he advises,

“Turn not yourself away from three things: good thoughts, good word and good deed.”

Zoroaster

However, attaining these goals is ever dependent on control of oneself and that is no simple matter.  As the Buddha pointed out,

“To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s mind.  If a man can control his mind he can find the way to enlightenment and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.”

Buddha

The statements from Zoroaster are from around 2000 BC , Proverbs is thought to be made up of some of the writings of Solomon ( 970–931 BC) and even the writings from the Buddha are from approximately 500 BC.  In other words, the path that leads to true understanding and wisdom has been clearly elucidated for several millennium so why are we still struggling?  Well, as luck would have it, Proverbs has an explanation.

“..fools despise wisdom and instruction”

Proverbs 1.7

In other words fools deliberately choose another path. Why would we make this choice to turn from wisdom and ignore guidance that could help? Again, a proverb even suggests an underlying cause for these bad choices.

“The complacency of fools is their undoing.”

Proverbs 1:32

So it seems a strange lethargy and carelessness leads to loss on many fronts.  Personal loss is just one aspect but there are larger considerations too.  The community does not flourish and develop as it should and the fruits of such wisdom is lost to humanity.

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

James 31.17

Without wisdom and understanding those longed for fruits slip through our fingers.  We have ever been urged to acquire knowledge. 

“My Lord, increase me in knowledge”

Quran 20:14

To desire knowledge means humility is required not the fool’s complacency. The fool’s pride allows him to assume he knows it all.  That’s why guidance is despised.  How do you fill a full cup?  Submissive humility requires we put aside the insistent self and make room for wisdom and understanding.  It demands recognition of our essential poverty.

“The essence of understanding is to testify to one’s poverty, and submit to the Will of the Lord”

Bahá'u'lláh

It should not surprise us that the enlightened have ever pointed out the importance of wisdom and understanding.  Urging us to choose the path towards truth and not falsehood over the millennia.  It has never been easy but it has always been emphasised by those who knew the needs of their time.  We should recognise the truth because it has ever been so. 

“This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future.”

Bahá'u'lláh

“The All-Knowing Physician hath His finger on the pulse of mankind. He perceiveth the disease, and prescribeth, in His unerring wisdom, the remedy. “

Bahá'u'lláh

Through thousands and thousands of years the guidance and remedy has consistently been given.  Do we choose complacency or search out truth because a world without wisdom and knowledge is an unworthy choice even for fools.