A Metropolitan Anthoniy (Pakanich) told about a dangerous vice, especially widespread today.

There is one vice, which, by and large, is not considered a vice in society, unfortunately.

It is foolishness.

Through all Solomon's parables, the author's contrition and his wise discourses about this illness of the soul run like a red thread. Yes, yes, stupidity is a mental illness that has its origins in pride, arrogance and conceit.

«A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride» (Pro. 14:3)

Not many realize the consequences of stupidity. A stupid person is dangerous and communication with this person should be avoided:

«Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips» (Pro. 14:7)

Such a person can be disorienting, he doesn’t distinguish good from evil, good from bad, and in person’s own words is able to cause irreparable harm to the soul and lead on the wrong path. As a rule, fools are very arrogant, they present their opinion as the ultimate truth, not even doubting their righteousness, which confuses many:

«The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure» (Pro. 14:16)

«The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice» (Pro. 12:15)

At all times, stupidity has fought against nobility and modesty, stupidity is always accompanied by verbosity and lack of any tact and abstinence. It is loud and arrogant, it cannot restrain itself, it is bursting with self-importance:

«The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool's heart blurts out folly» (Pro. 12:23)

«All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly» (Pro. 13:16)

A fool, a person who is not aware of his/her ignorance, cannot be a true Christian and benefit the Church, he/she is not able to adequately tell anyone about God and the Church:

«The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright» (Pro. 15:7)

Foolish is an easy target. He/she willingly believes in everything, without bothering to verify the information.

And today many problems arise due to stupidity and ignorance, people are lazy to wade through their dimness, although there are plenty of opportunities for this.

A fool is blind, he/she is unable to see his/her spiritual problems, weaknesses. He/She thinks highly of him/herself from the height of his/her stupidity:

«The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps» (Pro. 14:15)

«The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly» (Pro. 14:24)

How to identify stupidity and fight it?

A fool denies God’s presence in his/her life, he/she is sure that everything happens only thanks to his/her efforts and «resourcefulness». This is a bad sign. Also, ignorant people laugh at all that is holy, don’t respect the efforts of others, ridicule someone’s aspirations to become better, blaspheme. For them there is nothing sacred, they do not revere anything:

«Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright» (Pro. 14:9)

One way to go beyond own stupidity is to find a wise mentor and trust him:

«Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction» (Pro. 13:15)

It is useless to argue with a fool; stupidity is invincible to those who do not wish to conquer it.

But the best thing is to consider yourself a fool, to constantly doubt your correctness and significance. And for such humility, the Lord will surely bestow His wisdom.

Recorded by Natalia Goroshkova