The definition of Common Sense

This summer I, my wife and our children Tika, David, and Daniel were back from the Euro-Asia Centre of Inductive Bible Study from Surduc, Romania, where we studied Little Prophets for two weeks, and we were glad to see how much each of us had studied. We had a very pleasant fellowship on our long way to our house. At a certain moment, we began talking about common sense, and we began with the definition, we gave examples were common sense was or was not showed up.

When we gave the definitons for “common sense”, our son, Daniel, who is 9 years old said: “Common sense is when you feel well.” David went on developing the definition and said: “Common sense is when you behave respectfully towards others, no matter how old they are” and he gave many examples. Tika, the eldest child, said: “Common sense is when you behave so, that those who are around you feel well.” How do you define “common sense”? You can write this in the comment box of this article.

When giving examples of common sense, each of them appreciated when they asked for help from someone and that certain person helped them, then the fact that you say “Thank you”, “Please”, etc. In a conflict you don’t have to shout, but help the other one clarify the situation with patience and indulgence. You have also  to help others when you they work and not to remain indifferent concerning the needs of those who are around you.

Then we mentioned some cases we saw around us where common sense lacked, and from which we had to learn something. Here are some cases:

1. In public transport common sense lacks when those who are younger don’t give their place to those who are elder than them. At the same time, it is not good when men don’t give place to women and don’t show respect for them. And if someone is given a place and doesn’t thank for this, that is a lack of common sense, too.

2. At events, holidays is a lack of common sense to refuse to speak when you are asked to, or to speak words that are not related to the event or people that are the centre of that event. At a wedding you have to say good words about the bride and the bridegroom, if you are invited to speak. It is not common sense to refuse to talk when you are asked to.

3. In relationship with parents is lack of common sense when you interrupt them, or reprove them, especially in front of other people. It is not good for a child to act this way, because it shows lack of respect and common sense.

Translated by Djugostran Felicia