Ephesians 4:14-17. Have you ever had a child that every instruction you gave them they said back to you “what for?” When I was growing up you might have had the luxury of asking one time if you were brave, never twice “what for.” We just didn’t question the wisdom and authority of our parents. You just did or were expected to do what you were told to do. The reasoning behind it was so you wouldn’t be a fool in life. Parents of old took it seriously to teach responsibility, creativity, and dedication. They didn’t want their kids to grow up to be fools. If we asked “what for” too many times they gave us the right hand of Christian fellowship in a place we least desired it if you know what I mean.
The Bible uses the words “fool” or “fools” 104 times and so it is not a forbidden word in God’s vocabulary. Paul says in Ephesians 5 by implication that if a man doesn’t wake up, walk circumspectly, and redeem the time he becomes a fool. Here it is now, don’t miss it! “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” That is verse 15. Now on the front side and the back side of that are the two “Wherefores”. The “Wherefores” are stay awake and understand what the will of the Lord is. So, my friend, may I just tell you that the “What for” of the “Wherefores” is so you won’t be a fool. If you don’t stay awake and redeem the time because of these evil days you will become a fool. You may not think you’re a fool. You may not hear anybody call you a fool but God clearly says in Ephesians 5:14-17, “don’t miss your light to guide you in the will of God, walking circumspectly and redeeming the time” or you will turn out to be a fool.