Today is our last Good Word for May and our last bit of advice for the graduating class of 2019.

The old English is thick in this verse. Stated a little more plainly, it says that a fool would rather express his own opinion than hear wise truths from someone else.

Yes, grads are smart. All that knowledge from school is fresh in their minds. They’re armed with the latest information on all the latest subjects (some of which weren’t even taught a mere five years ago). They’re eager to share what they know. Having been lectured to for years and years, they’re excited to do some lecturing of their own. They certainly feel qualified.

But it’s a real treat to find a grad who thinks, “I know a lot, but I don’t understand much.” Today’s verse says that a fool doesn’t take pleasure in understanding things. Often, understanding something takes more time and experience than knowing it. A wise person wants to understand.

Let’s encourage the young people in our lives to move beyond their current opinions and seek out all angles of a topic or issue — especially in spiritual matters. God’s word and laws are a deep well of understanding that brings wisdom to anyone willing to drink.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.