Ep. 124. Proverbs 1-9 | Wisdom and Folly

EPISODE 124

WISDOM AND FOLLY: PROVERBS 1-9

When we consider the two women at the outset of Proverbs, we see the blessing of following after the wisdom of God and the curse of pursuing folly. In nearly five decades of life, I have found that I am still surprised by the shock and awe of people who reap what they sow. People who waste their resources continue to be surprised they have none. People who engage in sinful and wicked choices are inevitably caught off guard when those choices bring heartache and loss. People who neglect their marriages are surprised when they fail as though it was "all of a sudden." On the flip side, people who pursue the knowledge of God are shocked at the peace that takes hold of their lives. People who study to know God well are amazed that they have learned such deep things. Those who have intentionally considered the great love of God towards us and who believe in it are stunned when they feel flooded with love. If we tax our muscles, they grow; if we become stagnant, they atrophy. These are simple concepts. Still, the practical truth of wisdom and folly continues to elude us. If we pursue wisdom, we become wise; if we pursue folly, we become foolish. The first nine chapters of Proverbs may be the most practical text in all of Scripture and apply to every person in every situation.

Here are some key takeaways: "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." Or "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning." The beauty of both these verses is the humility of the wise person. A wise person will "increase in learning." The foolish person already feels they know enough. This is a great litmus test to determine if someone is wise or foolish. (And it wouldn't hurt for us to examine our hearts in this matter) The truly wise will continue to pursue learning and will seek out instruction. The wise person believes there is more wisdom to uncover. The foolish one is controlled by their appetites and rendered immobile by their laziness. 

Chapter two of Proverbs provides an excellent challenge to be "attentive to wisdom, inclining the heart to understanding, calling out for insight, crying out for understanding, and seeking wisdom like silver and treasure." The reward of such a pursuit is that it will "watch over you, guard you, and deliver you from the way of evil." 

Contrary to this blessing is the pursuit of folly and "adultery." To pursue foolishness is likened to pursuing adultery and will cost the pursuer his life. 

ADDITIONAL READING: John 3: 19-21; 1 John 1: 5-7; Proverbs 9:9; Proverbs 1:5