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When you read the Bible, you'll undoubtedly come across the word 'wisdom'. And just as you encounter this term, you are sure to see the word 'foolishness'. One could say they are two sides of the same coin. A person can either be a fool or be wise. And in some people, their level of foolishness or 'wisdom' might fluctuate from day to day. However, the Lord wants His children to walk in His wisdom and avoid the pitfalls of foolishness which befall the wicked.
The Lord has promised to give wisdom to those who ask Him for it (James 1:5). He knows that He alone has all wisdom and thus, He understands that only He can provide it to people. That doesn't stop most from seeking insight outside of Him, and He has categorized this as foolishness. In fact, anything that doesn't display the wisdom of God and thus wasn't obtained from His throne is deemed foolish in His word.
Proverbs 9 highlights certain distinctions between foolishness and wisdom. Both are characterized as women with a message for the simple-minded. Foolishness belongs to satan and evangelizes vapidness - nonsensities meant to please the carnal flesh and bring temporary gratification. For instance, Foolishness states in Proverbs 9:17 - “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!”
Do you notice that these offerings involve sneaking around? The water is stolen, and the food needs to be eaten in secret. Why? Because what Foolishness provides is evil. Stealing is wicked, and the fact that the thief has to consume what was stolen in hiding is proof of this. Foolishness encourages theft and deception - sinful ways that make a person wicked, cause them to agree with satan, and will only lead to death (Proverbs 5:22-23).
Wisdom, on the other hand, comes from God. She is not focused on carnal things. Instead, she calls on the simple to think long-term. Proverbs 9:6 - Leave the company of ignorant people, and live. Follow the way of knowledge. (GNT). Her objective is to separate God's children from fools. Those who choose her will be filled with her. And with that they receive what she promises - the fear of the Lord, good health, long life, protection, wealth, and more.*
She provides individuals with what they need to be content but happy. However, for this to happen, those who choose Wisdom must be willing to leave the unwise behind to walk with her on their life journey. And as long as she is kept close, that journey will be successful.
Sadly, most people choose foolishness because its words are attractive to our fleshly nature. In fact, we all have at one time or another. That choice to say something petty instead of holding your peace. That choice to speed up instead of slow to a stop when the traffic light turned yellow. That 'little' lie or flattering words told to deceive and make yourself look better. Did you ever steal? These are what the fool does, and they appealed which is why you did it.
However, if you were holding on to Wisdom at the time, she would have gently told you to forgive and not respond in anger or snark. She would have reminded you to slow down at the light to obey the laws. The untruth wouldn't have left your lips because she would have cautioned you against speaking like satan, the father of lies. Same with stealing. Wisdom would have whispered not to offend God and the owner of what you were about to take.
You have to make a choice - will you keep holding on to Wisdom, or will you let her go to frolic with Foolishness? Even if only for a short period of time, the choice to leave Wisdom behind can have dire consequences, and the worst of them is not making it to heaven. And this can happen when Foolishness leads you into sin habits and a backslidden lifestyle that crosses the 'Vashti Line' of no return.
Wisdom comes to all who desire her (Proverbs 2:4-5). So, seek her out by asking God to fill and surround you with this gift. Be careful not to choose worldly wisdom, which is satanic. Study the Wisdom Books - Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. Realize that the Holy Spirit disperses Wisdom (Isaiah 11:2-3; 1 Corinthians 12:8). You need Him. When you yield to Him, you will choose what pleases the Lord and step into His best.
* Scriptural References: Proverbs 2:5; 7;8; Proverbs 3:1-2.
As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:
