For a Fool?

 I saw this sign in a bathroom stall when we were in the Outer Banks recently.  I am amazed there is even such a sign in existence!  I mean, have you ever considered bathing in or drinking from a toilet?  Eww!!  Such a thought is disgusting!  What kind of person needs a sign like this??

When I considered that question and wondered what spiritual message I might glean from it, I immediately thought - it's for a fool.  The definition of fool is, "A person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person."  Only a fool would consider drinking from or bathing in a toilet.

The book of Proverbs in the Bible is full of "foolishness."  Here's one I particularly like in the ESV translation:  "A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating," 18:6.  Sounds like a person who might benefit from that bathroom sign.  Chapter 18 NIV has a couple more zingers:  "A fool has no pleasure in understanding, but delights in airing his own opinions," 18:2; and "A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul," 18:7. 

Here are a few other things that fools are well-known for in the book of Proverbs:  The fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.  A fool gives full vent to his anger.  The sluggard (also a fool) buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.  A foolish man devours all he has.

The biggest danger in being a fool, besides drinking from or bathing in toilets, is failing or refusing to accept the truth of Jesus.  Sadly, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God,'" Psalm 14:1.  And finally, we see where Paul tells us, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God," 1 Corinthians 1:16.

Even fools can turn from their foolish ways and become wise -- here's how:  "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is," Ephesians 5:15-17.

I'm thinking that if more and more people will convert from fools to wise, there will be no more need for such ridiculous bathroom signs!