Fairy tales can be so much more than simply entertaining for little ones. Hans Christian Andersen’s classic, The Emperor’s New Clothes, which was first published in 1837, fits the bill as a captivating satire worthy of discussion.
This fairy tale has been translated into more than 100 languages, and if you aren’t familiar with the storyline, let me share a brief synopsis:
Two fraudulent fellows enter a kingdom recognized for the eccentricity of their monarch. They introduce themselves as expert weavers of fine clothes and explain to the emperor’s advisers the wardrobe they will weave will be invisible to all who are stupid and foolish. In other words, only the wise aristocrats will be able to appreciate the splendor of their work.
As they set up their looms, an entourage of court officials enters their work area to check the progress, and all pretend to admire the nothingness before them. Once completed and paid for their time, the shysters depart and the duped emperor and his court proudly strut through the whole city in his invisible new clothes.
Finally, a small child blurts out that the emperor is wearing nothing but his undergarments!
The people were duped and we can all relate to situations that are quite similar in recent world events.
I’ll let you come to your own conclusion to those current and past historical blunders that fit this satire. Andersen may well have been addressing the arrogance and pride of Danish King Frederick VI, who reigned when he was a young boy. Through the centuries, we’ve unfortunately observed many leaders who have blundered and floundered in foolish behavior.
The antics of many leaders these days are difficult to comprehend, but I’d prefer to direct this discussion to the foolishness that can easily victimize the masses. We can all be duped, if we are not cautious, but Scripture can help us in our future decision making.
The Book of Proverbs is filled with many short sayings of wisdom. The principal contributor of those writings was King Solomon, son of King David.
Proverbs 1:1-6 sets the stage for the 31 chapters of the book to follow: “The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion for the young — let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance — for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and the riddles of the wise.”
When this world attempts to replace the Wisdom of God with a woke agenda and the nothingness of idle chatter, we must wake up and realize that we need to draw near to the Only Being Who has placed everything in motion!
Consider re-reading Proverbs 1:1-6 and then ponder God’s words as you reflect on your personal life and those you love around you. We don’t need new clothes, we need to trust in God’s instruction manual presented through its 40 diverse authors over centuries past.
Here in America, we are blessed with a representative form of government. Just like that little boy in the fairy tale, we must speak up and share the truth that seems to have fallen by the wayside. Our voice needs to be heard, and we must be led by His Holy Spirit and set on a path that is pleasing to God.
In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re instructed, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”
Passages to Ponder
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at [email protected] for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
