Like tying a stone into a sling, so is giving honor to a fool. Proverbs 26:8, TLV

Are We Solving the Wrong Problem?   I chuckle every time I read this proverb. It brings up the image of someone attempting to master the sling. They place the stone in the leather pad, then using the leather straps, attempt to swing the weapon over their head. Newbies will naturally struggle just to keep the stone from falling out — maybe even onto their head.

How frustrating that the stone keeps falling out! Especially after a few bumps on the noggin. Ah hah! They think. Problem solved! Yeah. Let’s tie the stone into the sling so it won’t fall out!

What happens? The stone doesn’t fall out, true. However, the weapon becomes ineffective—the stone won’t launch.

Rather than continuing to practice and figure out how centrifugal force would eventually hold the stone in place, they made the weapon useless.

The fool solved the wrong problem.

How about us?

Do we sometimes solve the wrong problem? Let’s ask ourselves this: If . . .

• the car makes a strange noise, do we turn up the radio to drown out the sound?
• we’re always running late, do we drive over the speed limit and disobey traffic signs?
• our jeans are getting too tight, do we buy a larger size?
• we have a problem with someone, do we avoid or ignore them?
• or if they ask us “What’s wrong?”, we say, “Nothing?”

I think we have all chosen the easier solution from time to time. Instead of making the effort to solve the real problem.

The wisdom in all this is to: JUST DO IT! Fix the car. Get up earlier. Lose the weight. Resolve the issue with the person. Solve the right problem.

In the long run, it’s easier. And, like the functioning sling, so much more effective.

May we solve the right problem, my friends.

HAVE YOU EVER “TIED THE STONE TO THE SLING?” OR SOLVED THE WRONG PROBLEM? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THAT PROBLEM?