But I’m not young, and I still like to learn. In fact, popular wisdom encourages aging ones to keep minds active, and active minds are minds increasing in knowledge. Yet, the Bible says that my rewards for gaining wisdom and knowledge are being vexed and sad. No wonder the Bible is the least-read best-seller.
But it’s true. The wise person, having gained wisdom mostly from experience, gets slightly annoyed by the “young and dumb” know-it-alls. Arrogant ignorance which spouts opinions not cluttered with information saddens those who have studied well to increase knowledge
There’s another level of vexation and sadness, however. There are times when my wisdom (again, gained mainly because I have experienced sixty-three and one-half years of life) intensifies personal vexation when I do or say something stupid. “You know better…” my parents used to say. And I do. I am wise enough to know better than unwisely to do or say something that results in vexation over my own stupid behavior. So, it is true…in much wisdom is much vexation.
When I increase self-knowledge, I increase the possibility for sorrow. I’m saddened when I realize I’m not as wise and smart as I think. When I know that I know better but do stupid things, my awareness of stupidity intensifies because I really do know better…and I know it! Self-sorrow is a sad state. Yes, I agree that those who increase knowledge increase sorrow.
Given the choices…well…I really don’t have a choice. I’m not young and dumb any more. I’m vexed and sorrowful. But the good thing is that since I’m vexed and sorrowful, I’m also wise and smart.
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