Jeff C, I disagree with your statement that common sense is acquired with age, as you pointed out in your last paragraph. Common sense is an innate characteristic, those who have it were most likely born with it and inherited it much like their iQ. Some may learn to stop repeating mistakes through the school of hard knocks, but many neve…
Jeff C, I disagree with your statement that common sense is acquired with age, as you pointed out in your last paragraph. Common sense is an innate characteristic, those who have it were most likely born with it and inherited it much like their iQ. Some may learn to stop repeating mistakes through the school of hard knocks, but many never do. We have some interesting discussions about nature vs. nurture in our family. But I believe the Bible when it says that consequences are carried for 7 generations.
I think it's both in all honesty. My sixteen year old just has it instinctively, he asks himself "is this a good idea?" before venturing off into some dubious adventure. My 19 year old has to learn things the hard way unfortunately.
I learned things the hard way (alcoholism, drug addiction, self-pity as a teenager/young adult). Through God's grace I got sober in my mid-twenties and learned some hard lessons. And there's no one more intense and introspective than an ex screw-up who's turned their life around in my experience. We tend to not repeat the same mistakes.
Freebird - you proved my intuition about acquiring common sense. I was leaning toward it coming from families who teach it and discuss discernment and common sense. Then you stated you had interesting discussion about nature vs. nurture in your family - there ya go!
I agree with Jeff’s s reply that it’s some of both. It’s a complicated topic that we circle round and round. 😊 But I’d like to throw in another term that we often overlook in the discussion. Wisdom…..which is a lot like common sense, and may be mistaken for it; but it is a spiritual gift from God given to believers. Deeper and wider than common sense, and neither acquired nor inherited.
Jeff C, I disagree with your statement that common sense is acquired with age, as you pointed out in your last paragraph. Common sense is an innate characteristic, those who have it were most likely born with it and inherited it much like their iQ. Some may learn to stop repeating mistakes through the school of hard knocks, but many never do. We have some interesting discussions about nature vs. nurture in our family. But I believe the Bible when it says that consequences are carried for 7 generations.
Always appreciate your comments Freebird.
I think it's both in all honesty. My sixteen year old just has it instinctively, he asks himself "is this a good idea?" before venturing off into some dubious adventure. My 19 year old has to learn things the hard way unfortunately.
I learned things the hard way (alcoholism, drug addiction, self-pity as a teenager/young adult). Through God's grace I got sober in my mid-twenties and learned some hard lessons. And there's no one more intense and introspective than an ex screw-up who's turned their life around in my experience. We tend to not repeat the same mistakes.
Thank God for your conversion Jeff!
Freebird - you proved my intuition about acquiring common sense. I was leaning toward it coming from families who teach it and discuss discernment and common sense. Then you stated you had interesting discussion about nature vs. nurture in your family - there ya go!
I agree with Jeff’s s reply that it’s some of both. It’s a complicated topic that we circle round and round. 😊 But I’d like to throw in another term that we often overlook in the discussion. Wisdom…..which is a lot like common sense, and may be mistaken for it; but it is a spiritual gift from God given to believers. Deeper and wider than common sense, and neither acquired nor inherited.
Yes yes and yes! Thanks for that Freebird. Wise words and very deep. Blessings to you and yours.♥