It has been postulated that people are not born stupid. They are born ignorant and then educated to be stupid. Recent events on the university campus and the floor of Congress give ample evidence of this axiom.
What is the difference between stupid and smart? Perhaps the apostle Paul can guide us. - Colossians 2:8-10- See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority…
Listen to his instruction to his protégé, Timothy. - I Timothy 1:3-6: As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus in order that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
- I Timothy 4:6-7: In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness…
- I Timothy 6:20 – O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”…
- 2 Timothy 2:14-16: Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless, and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter for it will lead to further ungodliness.
- 2 Timothy 3:13 – But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Notice the focus of Paul as to authority and the action that should flow from it.
- 2 Timothy - 3:15-16: …and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness…
- 2 Timothy 4:2-3: …preach the word, be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires…
As Rabbi Joshua Haberman reminds us: “The Bible belt is America’s safety belt.”
The Bible has always been so and I hope will always be so. Buckle up!
Serving Him with you Until He comes for us. Fred | 
