“Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.”

This verse takes on a new depth of significance when viewed in its historical context. It is almost silly to picture my grandson using his slingshot with the stone tied into it. All the aiming and effort to shoot at something—knowing the little rock will never leave the sling—is foolish at best and lunacy at worst. In Solomon’s mind was the picture of a young shepherd boy and a taunting enemy giant. This story is slammed full of meaning. A useless sling and an impotent stone would not merely be ineffective or meaningless; it would have been extremely foolish, as well as devastating—and possibly the demise of God’s people and their kingdom. That was never going to happen. Solomon’s dad went into battle ready to use a functioning slingshot to defeat Goliath and bring victory to God’s chosen people—and he did. Today, we are to live like David and avoid the disaster of fools. Fools have no place being lifted up as leaders or examples. They will destroy not only themselves, but they will take all of us with them. I once gave a pretty serious responsibility to someone I knew was not the finest person. I did it out of laziness. As a result, a ministry I used to lead is no longer having an impact. I’ve seen this occur in ministry or business. Today, enter the battle with a functioning sling. #BeTheEdge

“So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.” 1 Samuel 17:50 NIV