CHOOSE: WISDOM OR FOLLY

In this chapter there a choice is presented. Either we choose to follow the calls of Wisdom or follow the siren call of Folly. Here there are alternating scenes of light and darkness; life and death.

WISDOM IS PREPARED

Notice in verses 1-6 Wisdom is portrayed as having things well thought through. She is prepared with food, drink and helpers to call people to excellence. There is a marketing and advertizing plan to let eveyone know that the path to prudence is a choice. But it takes great intentionality to organize that choice.

SCOFFING AND CYNICISM

There are warnings about making a practice of being a cynic or a scoffer or a mocker. It a sort of judgementalism that is generally not constructive. Dealing with these sort of people that will not end up in a useful spot. Here are the warnings:

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
rebuke the wise and they will love you.

If you are a mocker, you alone will suffer, according to verse 12. This reminds us of the admonition of Jesus not to judge. The by measure you judge, you will be judged.

PURSUIT OF WISDOM MAKES US WISER STILL

Wisdom begets wisdom. It ieads to growth of character and reputation.

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
For through wisdom your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you.

WHERE TO START?

Is is the fear of the Lord, being accountable to God, that is the beginning of wisdom, that is, skillful living. No fear of the Lord, no wisdom. Know fear of the Lord, know wisdom.

So many of us are convinced that we can do a better job with our lives than the Lord can. But as we live in respect and awe of the Lord, we want to know Him in a greater way. So similarily know knowledge of the Lord, know the understanding. No knowledge of the Lord, no understanding on how to live life. Life is not about you, it is about how we life to advance God's agenda for our lives.

THE FUN OF FOLLY--IT IS A TRAP

Folly is simple. There is no preparation for foolishness. Following foolishness may be fun for a season, but it has a bitter end. It is a path to disappointment and destruction. There is life in Wisdom and in Folly there is death.

Jesus said he came into the world, not to condenm the world. You are already condemned. We are natural fools, on the way to condemnation, eternal death. It takes a turning to the Lord to gain life, to begin the journey towards wisdom.

SEE THE ENTIRE TEXT OF PROVERBS CHAPTER 9

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