One night a year we all get to "act a fool." Halloween gives everyone a day to cut loose, unwind, and behave with unabated silliness. Many take the opportunity to do things that they wouldn't do any other day of year because they normally don't act foolish. Others, take this time to act out by committing crimes, abusing others, and by taking huge risks that sometimes end tragically. These are the foolish behaviors we read about in the next day's news feeds and social media pages. the Bible talks a lot about fools:
"Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense
and shows everyone how stupid he is."
Ecclesiastes 10:3 NIV
When I read this, of course the FIRST thing that popped out at me was the word "stupid." The New King James version says it this way,
Even when a fool walks along the way, He lacks wisdom, And he shows everyone that he is a fool.
Ecclesiastes 10:3 NKJ
Any way you slice it, being a fool is pretty stupid.
But wait a minute! Isn't it okay to have fun once in a while? Do we have to be serious all the time? Of course fun, games, and laughter are all parts of a balanced life. Acting foolish is a choice made for the purpose of entertainment, having fun, or playing a role. Being a fool is also a choice but it is a daily decision to make poor choices lacking wisdom that can cause harm or pain to others. The first one is cute; the second is not.
Halloween can be a time of jovial merry making and it gave my friend Alice, the preverbal awesome grandmother, an opportunity to dress up and "act a fool." Dressed here as a beautiful Mad Hatter she took her grandchildren Trick-or Treating on Halloween. I envy her. Alice can turn on the humor and mischief anytime, anywhere, but I also know Alice is dedicated to her job, a leader in her organization, and is both a committed wife and mother who constantly walks in wisdom and faith.
Halloween is over. Walk today in wisdom so no one will mistake you for a fool.