Wisdom and Folly

As Kristi shared earlier this week, Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. He was blessed by God with wisdom. As we start our study of the book of Proverbs, Solomon sets us up to compare wisdom and folly.

Let’s start first by looking at folly. Solomon personifies Folly as loud and demanding (Prov. 9:13). She entices those who are simple (9:16). She lies about what she is offering, not revealing that her way leads to death (9:17-18).

Wisdom also calls (Prov. 8:1-3). But she speaks truth (8:8). Instead of enticing people with temporary pleasures, she offers wisdom, which she says is more valuable than silver, gold, or jewels (8:10-11). Instead of death, she says, “For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life” (9:11).

The choice is so clear when we see it set up this way! No one would want to follow Folly into Sheol. So why does wisdom seem allusive to so many? Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

To gain wisdom, we must start with God. When we start with God, the wisdom we receive is “first pure, then peacable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). Oh how I want those words to describe me!

• At her job she shows wisdom.
• With her friends she speaks wisdom.
• In her family she shares wisdom.
• At her church she spreads wisdom.
• Even interacting with people online, she “status updates” wisdom!

Like Solomon, ask God today to grant you wisdom. Realize that He is the source. Take time to seek His will and wisdom as you act and react throughout your day. Praise Him for generously offering wisdom to all those who fear Him!