Recently, while attending a high school athletic event, I noticed each class had made a poster and put it up in the gym.  The 10th grade banner proudly proclaimed “SOPHMORES.”  I had to chuckle at the misspelling.  This made me recall having previously heard the word origin.

“Sophomore” is derived from the roots sophos meaning “wise”and moros meaning “foolish, dull.” Yes, sophomore literally means “wise fool.”  Such is our world today, and if we admit it, we each individually have our sophomore moments.  Like the well-meaning young banner makers, there are times when we think we know, but we really don’t have a clue.  This is dangerous ground, and it can make us lose track of how much we truly don’t know.  Self-examination, reflection, and a humble heart are vital to our daily walk and spiritual growth.  May God increase our hunger to continually learn and to be filled with His knowledge and goodness.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

“I, the Lord, am your God,
Who brought you up from the land of Egypt;
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”