Proverbs 9 details the way of wisdom and the way of folly. Now, both women are present in this chapter: Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly, or the Forbidden Woman. Both offer us an invitation:
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” (Proverbs 9:4a and 16a)
However, the motive behind each invitation is strikingly different.
Lady Wisdom invites the simple-minded to leave their simple ways and to instead, “walk in the way of insight.” (verse 6) It’s a call to wise living, and what’s so beautiful about it is that the invitation is for everyone. It’s not just given to the wise or the learned. It’s equally offered to the simple.
Lady Folly echoes these same words in verse 16, but her invitation is followed by words that drip with seduction. She seeks to entice those who would hear her invitation and lead them down to the grave, where she also resides.
So, what does this mean for me and you today? For starters, we will hear MANY similar sounding messages from MANY sources. Wisdom sees through the words of the invitation straight to the motive behind it. Wisdom is restrained by integrity and moral fences. Folly knows no bounds. Folly desires instant gratification and assumes no consequences for immoral living.
A wise ear is trained in the Word of God. A wise heart is molded by Biblical instruction. A wise mind is transformed by Truth. To refuse this is to welcome the invitation of Lady Folly, and her way leads only to death.
Choose life today, friends. Choose wisdom.
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.”
Proverbs 9:9-12
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