Two women stand side by side for comparison in Proverbs 9, each the personification of opposing worldviews.
The first woman is Wisdom. She works hard to prepare a place of gathering, then lays out a banquet for her guests. And then she goes to the most public places and extends this invitation: "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! Come eat of my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live."
The second woman is Folly. Silly and loud, she knows nothing and she does nothing. Rather she lounges on her porch or loiters in random places, distracting whoever happens to pass by with an invitation of her own: "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant."
The banquet of the first is a meal of instruction, offering knowledge and understanding. The banquet of the second is a meal of pleasures, offering shadows and secrets. Feasting at the first table brings life, because the seeker wants to become more than he is. Feasting at the second produces death, because the seeker simply wants to exercise who he is.
It is the height of futility to correct one who scoffs at wisdom and rejects righteousness. The world is full of people whose worldview is, "I've got my mind made up; don't confuse me with facts." They follow the path of their own choosing, using as their guide not the incontrovertible wisdom of the Almighty, but the variable inclinations of their ever-changing mind. Try to teach them and their actions put you to shame. Try to disciple them and you do so to your own hurt.
But instructing someone who wants to learn reaps everlasting rewards. The wise get wiser, the just add to their knowledge.
To go with the woman called Wisdom is to gain great things from her and grow wiser to your own benefit. To go with the woman named Folly is to bear the burden of life by yourself, for she takes away rather than adds.
Proverbs 9:10-11
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For by wisdom your days will be multiplied,
and years of life will be added to you.
3 comments:
You know I had read this before but never really payed attention to the fact that there is a kind of comparing and contrasting wisdom and folly.
I am looking forward to this coming thursday brother.
Peace,
I have been reading the Proverbs on a daily basis for over twenty years now, so I've grown very familiar with them. A lot of what you're reading here, especially in regard to the Proverbs, comes with that kind of perspective. I'm also preparing for that book you keep telling me I should write!
I too am looking forward to Thursday. Thanks for reading and commenting here.
I want to buy the first copy with your personal signature on the inside.
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