Home
Math
Informatics
Science
Humanity
Hymns
Quotes
About
Screen
Send Close Add comments: (status displays here)
Got it!  This site "creationpie.com" uses cookies. You consent to this by clicking on "Got it!" or by continuing to use this website.  Note: This appears on each machine/browser from which this site is accessed.
A wise fool should not be prudish about being prudent
by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640
1. A wise fool should not be prudish about being prudent
It appears that in many places in the GNT (Greek New Testament) the meanings of being either "prudent" or "not prudent", which are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive, have been interpreted as being either "wise" or "foolish", which are not necessarily mutually exclusive nor collectively exhaustive.

It appears that, in the GNT, the meaning of the word "foolish" when used with a word meaning "prudent" or "smart" is the opposite of that word and not "foolish" in a general sense.

Is this a reasonable interpretation? If so, why might these somewhat subtle meaning changes have been made? Who might benefit from such meaning changes?
2. Domains
Let us first look at some of the words, definitions and etymologies of relevant terms and concepts.

The areas of interest include the following ideas and definitions.
3. Blooms taxonomy
This separation is based on various Greek words used in the GNT.

The levels, however, fit well with Bloom's hierarchy of educational objectives.
4. Bloom's hierarchy of educational objectives
Bloom taxonomyIn 1956, Bloom published a hierarchy of educational objectives that has been used ever since. Bloom, B. (1956). Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. Handbook I: Cognitive Domain. New York: David McKay.

The foundational knowledge is formed by a lot of facts and simple rules in the discipline. Multiple choice questions. I use non-deterministic generation of similar questions to use multiple choice questions to above the foundational level.

The top level is formed by abstract and innovative thinking and problem solving. In college, this is typically a senior research project or required in senior-level courses.
5. Introductory programming
An introductory programming course should create a foundation while not requiring too much of the upper levels to be required.

The middle levels can be obtained by learning common patterns in the discipline and how to use those patterns in solving selected problems - by example.
6. Wise
In general, someone who is "wise" knows a lot of things. Those things, however, may or may not apply in a given situation.

Someone who is "prudent" is "mindful" of many things, in addition to being "wise", and can make necessary trade-offs.

In general, someone who is "foolish" is not "mindful" of things that may be necessary in a given situation.

Despite their similarity as words, the meanings of "prudent" and "prudish" are quite different and unrelated in their origin.
7. Think after what you heard and repent
Wictionary entry for perceive afterwardsOne can compare "mindful" with the Greek word for "repent" which literally means "after thought" as in "perceiving afterwards". The ancient Greek word "μετάνοια" ≈ "afterthought, repent".

That is, a "transition" from what one was thinking "before" to what one is thinking "after".
The definition in modern Greek has narrowed, from influence of GNT translation, to "μετάνοια" (meh-TA-nee-a) ≈ "repentance" (in the Latin sense).

If you already know that "repent" in Greek means "after thought" then, well, "never mind".

Note: The first definition is that of "afterthought". The second is that of "repentance" but this comes from the GNT.

Information sign More: Think after what you heard and repent
8. Prudent
The English word "prudent" comes through French from the Latin word "prudens" ≈ "" which is a shortened form of the Latin word "providens" ≈ "foresight" which is the source of the English word "providence" in "having foresight".

Someone who is prudent has foresight and can make trade-offs to arrive at an optimum, in some real sense, solution to a problem or situation.
9. Pragmatic
A related English word is "pragmatic" which comes from the Greek word for "thing".
10. Prude
The English word "prude" comes through French from the Latin word "prode" ≈ "proud". The modern sense in English is that of someone who is "goody-goody" or "too proud" to do something, for whatever reason. The meaning has narrowed such that it now often has just a sexual connotation.
11. Sissy principle
Often, if person A wants person B to do something, some derogatory name will be used, such as "prude". In effect, person A just wants their own way or approval from others and is not getting it.

When I was in grade school, I recognized this pattern and gave it my own name, the "Sissy principle". That is, boys would call other boys "sissy" as a dare to, in effect, get them to do what they wanted.
12. Greek
The following ancient Greek words are related. The modern Greek word "φροντίδα" (fron-TEE-tha) ≈ "attention, care".
13. Luke 11:40 Not mindful of
Verse routeLuke 11:40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? [kjv]
Verse routeαφρονες ουχ ο ποιησας το εξωθεν και το εσωθεν εποιησεν [gnt]

Someone who is not "mindful of" something (that is important) is considered "foolish". That appears to be the sense of "foolish" when paired with the Greek word for "mindful of".

This may or may not indicate that Jesus spoke in Aramaic and Luke selected Greek words for what Jesus said in Aramaic.

The modern Greek word "αφρόντιστα" (a-FRON-tee-sta) ≈ "carelessly, negligently".
14. Luke 11:40
   Luke 11:40 
 All 
KJV: Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
Greek: αφρονες ουχ ο ποιησας το εξωθεν και το εσωθεν εποιησεν
15. Strongs - fools
16. Usage - fools
*G878 *11 ἄφρων (af'-rone) : from G1 (as a negative particle) and G5424; properly, mindless, i.e. stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving:--fool(-ish), unwise.
Word usage per chapter Words: αφρονα=2 αφρονες=2 αφρονων=3 αφρων=4

17. Matthew
To get an idea of the meaning of the Greek word, let us look at the use of that word in Matthew. Matthew quotes Jesus many times using this word.
18. Matthew 7:24 Rock and sand
Verse routeMatthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [kjv]
Verse routeπας ουν οστις ακουει μου τους λογους τουτους και ποιει αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι φρονιμω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την πετραν [gnt]



House on rockIn the analogy of the houses built on rock and on sand, the rock part is associated with prudent and the sand part is associated with foolish.

In this verse, the KJV (King James Version) uses "wise". Does the meaning change if "mindful of" is substituted?
19. Matthew 7:24
   Matthew 7:24 
 All 
KJV: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Greek: πας ουν οστις ακουει μου τους λογους τουτους και ποιει αυτους ομοιωσω αυτον ομοιωθησεται ανδρι φρονιμω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν αυτου επι την πετραν
20. Strongs - prudent
21. Usage - prudent
*G5429 *14 φρόνιμος (fron'-ee-mos) : from G5424; thoughtful, i.e. sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while 4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and G4908 indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative):--wise(-r).
Word usage per chapter Words: φρονιμοι=8 φρονιμοις=2 φρονιμος=2 φρονιμω φρονιμωτεροι

22. Matthew 7:26 Sand
Verse routeMatthew 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [kjv]
Verse routeκαι πας ο ακουων μου τους λογους τουτους και μη ποιων αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι μωρω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την αμμον [gnt]



House on sandThe ancient Greek word "μωρός" ≈ "slow, sluggish" and, often, "dull", "foolish", "stupid", etc.

When paired with "mindful of" it appears to have a meaning closer to "not mindful of" and that is what, in that context, makes one "foolish".
23. Matthew 7:26
   Matthew 7:26 
 All 
KJV: And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Greek: και πας ο ακουων μου τους λογους τουτους και μη ποιων αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι μωρω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν αυτου επι την αμμον
24. Strongs - foolish
25. Usage - foolish
*G3474 *12 μωρός (mo-ros') : probably from the base of G3466; dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd:--fool(-ish, X -ishness).
Word usage per chapter Words: μωρα μωραι=3 μωρας=2 μωρε μωροι=2 μωρον μωρος μωρω

26. Matthew 7 Houses built on sand and on rock
House on sand wordsHere are some links to a series of pages on the houses built on sand and on rock.
Here are some songs related to houses build on sand or rock.
27. Matthew 10:16 Wise as serpents
Verse routeMatthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [kjv]
Verse routeιδου εγω αποστελλω υμας ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων γινεσθε ουν φρονιμοι ως οι οφεις και ακεραιοι ως αι περιστεραι [gnt]

The "wise" as serpents uses the Greek word for "mindful of" as in "prudent". The English word "wary" fits well here as serpents, like many predators, are wary about getting injured but looking for any opportunity for a successful strike.
28. Matthew 10:16
   Matthew 10:16 
 All 
KJV: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Greek: ιδου εγω αποστελλω υμας ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων γινεσθε ουν φρονιμοι ως οι οφεις και ακεραιοι ως αι περιστεραι
29. An unworldly thorny issue that is for the pigeon birds
Verse routeMatthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [kjv]
Verse routeιδου εγω αποστελλω υμας ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων γινεσθε ουν φρονιμοι ως οι οφεις και ακεραιοι ως αι περιστεραι [gnt]
Verse route… oves … luporum … prudentes … serpentes … simplices … columbae [v]

The Latin word "simplices" ≈ "simple, pure" is the plural of the Latin word "simplex" ≈ "single, simple, pure" which appears to have influenced the Wycliffe the Middle English word "symple" ≈ "simple".

What does it mean to be "harmless" or "simple" (as translated in some other verses)? The Greek word literally means "horn-less" where the "horn" is elsewhere translated as "tittle" and which can be related to the Hebrew/Aramaic "qots" as "thorn". Jesus describes the "thorns" of this world as cares and concerns and riches. Might the "harmless as doves" mean "not worldly as doves" where "dove" and "pigeon" are the same bird?

Information sign More: An unworldly thorny issue that is for the pigeon birds
30. Matthew 16:23
Verse routeMatthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. [kjv]
Verse routeο δε στραφεις ειπεν τω πετρω υπαγε οπισω μου σατανα σκανδαλον ει εμου οτι ου φρονεις τα του θεου αλλα τα των ανθρωπων [gnt]

In this verse the KJV uses "savourest". Does the meaning change if "are mindful of" is substituted?
31. Matthew 16:23
   Matthew 16:23 
 All 
KJV: But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Greek: ο δε στραφεις ειπεν τω πετρω υπαγε οπισω μου σατανα σκανδαλον μου ει εμου οτι ου φρονεις τα του θεου αλλα τα των ανθρωπων
32. Strongs - be mindful of
33. Usage - be mindful of
*G5426 *27 φρονέω (fron-eh'-o) : from G5424; to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience):--set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think.
Word usage per chapter Words: εφρονειτε εφρονουν φρονει=2 φρονειν=7 φρονεις=3 φρονειτε=4 φρονησετε φρονητε φρονουντες=4 φρονουσιν φρονωμεν φρονων

34. Matthew 24:45 Servants and lords
Verse routeMatthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? [kjv]
Verse routeτις αρα εστιν ο πιστος δουλος και φρονιμος ον κατεστησεν ο κυριος επι της οικετειας αυτου του δουναι αυτοις την τροφην εν καιρω [gnt]

A faithful and "wise" or "mindful" servant (employee,, etc.) is one who keeps in mind the cares and concerns of his lord (boss, etc.).
35. Matthew 24:45
   Matthew 24:45 
 All 
KJV: Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Greek: τις αρα εστιν ο πιστος δουλος και φρονιμος ον κατεστησεν ο κυριος αυτου επι της θεραπειας οικετειας αυτου του διδοναι δουναι αυτοις την τροφην εν καιρω
36. Matthew 25:2 Ten virgins
There are "ten" virgins divided into groups of "five".
Verse routeMatthew 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [kjv]
Verse routeπεντε δε εξ αυτων ησαν μωραι και πεντε φρονιμοι [gnt]

The TR (Textus Receptus) changes the order of "foolish" and "prudent", mistranslated as "wise", which breaks a play on words.

Greek word order: five but out-of [but a shad-ow] them were foolish and five prudent.

The ancient Greek word "φρόνιμος" ≈ "sensible, mindful" and comes from the ancient Greek word "φρήν" ≈ "midriff, stomach". A "sensible" approach requires that trade-offs be made.

The ancient Greek word "μωρός" ≈ "foolish, stupid" as in the English word "moron". The modern Greek word "μωρό" (mo-RO) ≈ "baby, infant". The Latin word "fatuus" ≈ "foolish, stupid".

It appears that "five" were "opportunistic" or "mindful" and the other "five" were the opposite.

Information sign More: Word: five
Information sign More: A wise opportunity to be prudent
Information sign More: Matthew 25:1-13 Parable of the ten virgins
37. End of page
by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640