Wisdom - the better decision

Proverbs chapter 9 is worth reading. It includes a nice spiritual sandwich: a layer of wisdom, buttered with a warning against folly, filled with some meaty slices about attitudes and consequences. The character called 'Wisdom' is pretty switched on: she's organised, enthusiastic and inviting. Which is more than can be said for the character of 'Folly' (see Proverbs 9:13-18). 'Folly' is everything 'Wisdom' is not. She's foolish, reckless and lazy.

But here's the deal: 'Wisdom' and 'Folly' are both inviting people to feast with them (Proverbs 9:3-6 and Proverbs 9:16). The difference between them is that 'Wisdom' sends out her servants, whereas 'Folly' waits for people to come to her. The outcome? Those who have dinner with 'Wisdom' extend their lives but those who dine with 'Folly' endanger themselves.

Now, there's also a differentiation between 'folly' and fun, but we're going to state the obvious anyway: we can be a fun person but still take our faith seriously. 'Wisdom' is very able to have fun, but she's all about setting people on the straight and narrow. Why? Because 'Wisdom' is all about respecting God. In Proverbs 9:10, it says that wisdom comes into our lives when we yearn for the real and living (and fun) God.



So what now? So, it's obviously wise to choose wisdom for your life. But are there any areas in your life where it's not clear if you're having fun or folly? Ask God to show you his wisdom to make the better decision, for your own good.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still.' Proverbs 9:9 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

1 Chr 17:1-20, Heb 11:4-12:3, Ps 18:20-29 , Pro 4:18