Genesis 50:20

While Scripture does not use this phrase, it gives us many examples of people who embodied this way of life.

The Qing Dynasty painter and calligrapher Zheng Banqiao once wrote these words on a painting:
“It is hard to be wise, even harder to be foolish, and hardest of all to go from wisdom to foolishness. To let go and take a step back brings peace of heart—not for some future gain, but simply for peace in the present.”

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Gen 50:20)

He signed it with the now-famous phrase: “难得糊涂”, often translated as “The gift of being foolishly wise.”
This was not a celebration of ignorance. Rather, it reflected a deep understanding of life—a thoughtful, deliberate choice to respond to situations with grace, tolerance, and detachment. It is a kind of wisdom that looks past petty concerns and focuses on what truly matters.
Today, “难得糊涂” has come to describe a way of living with perspective—choosing not to get caught up in every detail, not to insist on being right, and not to hold on to every offence. It’s about stepping back, letting go, and seeing the bigger picture.
While Scripture does not use this phrase, it gives us many examples of people who embodied this way of life. In the Old Testament, Joseph showed this kind of wisdom. Though he became governor of Egypt and had every opportunity to take revenge on the brothers who sold him into slavery, he chose to forgive. He said:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
Joseph let go of bitterness and saw beyond the surface to God’s bigger plan. His willingness to forgive and submit to God’s will was not weakness—it was spiritual clarity and strength. That kind of “foolishness” is, in fact, profound wisdom.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church:
“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” (1 Corinthians 6:7)
Paul was encouraging believers not to insist on defending their rights, especially within the church. He urged them instead to choose peace, to trust in God’s justice, and to live in a way that reflects the gospel.
Dear brothers and sisters, may we live each day with this kind of spiritual wisdom—a rare, godly “foolishness” that lets go of personal grievances, trusts in God’s purposes, and chooses peace over pride.