Foolishness or Wisdom...Which Do You Choose?

"A wise man learns by the experience of others. An ordinary man learns by his own experience. A fool learns by nobody's experience."  -Source Unknown.

In the Bible, King Solomon (a king of Israel, and son of David) was known for his wisdom, his wealth and his writings. He became ruler in approximately 967 B.C.E.; and his kingdom extended from the Euphrates River in the north to Egypt in the south. His crowning achievement was the building of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Almost everything we know about him is taken from the biblical books of Kings I and Chronicles II. In fact, even people from surrounding nations came to hear Solomon’s wisdom. He composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. (Incidentally, he wrote the Song of Songs, the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.)

What better way to lead up to today's message, taken right out of the Book of Proverbs, Chapter 9. What is the Book of Proverbs? What is it noted for? I like what Charles R. Swindoll says..."Proverbs accomplishes something no other biblical book does: it simply compiles numerous short instructions for living an effective life on earth. While other books articulate profound theological truths, lengthy narratives of triumph and failure, or prophetic preaching to a disobedient people, Proverbs concerns itself completely with instructing people in the path of wisdom."

That tells me that we could use some direction in life! I don't know about you, but I know I can use extra doses of wisdom from time to time. Probably more often than I care to admit! And the Book of Proverbs fits the bill! Obviously, the writers of Proverbs were aware of all the different situations, ups and downs, emotional confusion, etc., that happen in our lives. So, they were kind enough to provide principles that we can apply in a variety of circumstances; instead of directives suited  for only a few.

Now, if you have your Bible handy, turn to Proverbs 9. That's where we will begin today. In his discussions on the value of seeking after wisdom, Solomon has shaken up his approach. He makes his own appeal as a father to his son and children (cf. Proverbs 1:8; 4:1). In this chapter, He personifies wisdom as a lady who invites people to take note of (cf. Proverbs 1:20; 8:1).

His final conversation presents a picture of two women, both extending invitations. One woman personifies wisdom (Proverbs 9:1-12; the other personifies folly, or foolishness (Proverbs 9:13-18). What Solomon is asking here is: Whose invitation will we accept?  That of Lady Wisdom, or that of Woman Folly?  But, before you choose, consider the following...

Beginning with the invitation of Lady Wisdom (Proverbs 9:1-12), specifically her preparation. Her beautiful home is a large house with seven pillars (Proverbs 9:1). The number seven suggests to many the idea of completeness. Compare the seven-fold qualities of wisdom described by James (James 3:17). Also, her sumptuous feast; including meat and wine, a furnished table (Proverbs 9:2). This was carefully prepared, and beautifully presented. Yes, Lady Wisdom has made great effort in making provisions.

Then, of course, there's her plea. She wants to be heard (Proverbs 9:3). She has sent out her maidens (reminding us of Jesus, sending His apostles). And, she cries out from the highest places of the city. She also invites the simple, and those who lack understanding (Proverbs 9:4-6); to eat and drink of her prepared feast; to forsake foolishness and live, to go in the way of understanding.

So, why she won't invite scoffers (Proverbs 9:7-9)? Well, she has a couple of reasons. Correcting a scoffer only shames and harms the one doing the correcting. The wise and just, however, appreciate and will learn from correction. You see, Lady Wisdom makes great effort to reach those who will listen!

But what about her (Lady Wisdom) promise? Looking at (Proverbs 9:10), she promises: wisdom and understanding to those who fear the Lord, and to those who know the Lord. She also promises long life (Proverbs 9:11; cf. 3:2,16). In other words, your days will be multiplied, and years will be added (not a bad deal)! And, her wisdom will benefit you in other ways (Proverbs 9:12), too. However, if you choose to be a "mocker" then you will have to pay the price. Lady Wisdom does all of this because she wants you to have the best life possible!

Certainly, the invitation of Lady Wisdom is really quite tempting (in a good way). Especially when we carefully consider the alternative. On the opposite end, let's examine the invitation of woman Folly (Proverbs 9:13-18). Remember the preparation of Lady Wisdom, mentioned above? Here's how woman Folly (or foolish woman) makes her preparation.

She really makes no preparation, at all! Instead, she is "loud; she is seductive and knows nothing" (Proverbs 9:13). The Believers' Bible Commentary describes her as "loudmouthed, empty-headed, and brazenfaced." Go back and compare her lack of preparation with that of Lady Wisdom. See what you think!

Then there is her plea. She sits at the door of her house (Proverbs 9:14a). At least, Lady Wisdom sent out her maidens to be heard. She sits on a high seat by the highest places of the city (Proverbs 9:14b); the same place where Lady Wisdom also cries out (cf. Proverbs 9:3).

However, notice that Woman Folly cries out from a seated position (is she lazy)? She calls to those who pass by (Proverbs 9:15-16); especially the simple-minded, and those who lack understanding. This is how Woman Folly competes with Lady Wisdom for the souls of men.

Let's look at the promise of woman Folly. She tells us that stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant (Proverbs 9:17); which is an allusion to illicit intercourse (cf. Proverbs 5:15). But it's a false promise (cf. Proverbs 20:17; 5:3-5)! The true promise is unknown to the unintelligent who lack understanding (Proverbs 9:18).

What is it? Her home is the house of the dead (cf. Proverbs 2:18-19). Her house is the way to hell (cf. Proverbs 5:5; 7:27). Here's the real story. Woman Folly, known best for her adulterous ways, promises much but delivers the worst life possible!

To conclude today's message, whose invitation shall we accept...? That of Lady Wisdom, who has prepared much and delivers what she promises? Or that of Woman Folly, who promises much and delivers the opposite? The choice should be pretty obvious, even to the simpleminded, and those lacking understanding!

Scripture: James 1:5; Ephesians 5:15-17; Proverbs 12:15; Colossians 3:16; Luke 21:15; 2 Timothy 2:7; Proverbs 3:5

Prayer: Holy Father, I bend my knee and receive Your truth; I open my ears to receive Your counsel; I open my heart to receive Your eternal wisdom. Amen.

May God be with you always!

Elayne