Proverbs

We can’t spend any time in Proverbs without running smack into the fool.  There’s hardly a chapter that doesn’t reference this kind of person, this way of life that falls under the heading of “folly,” “foolishness.”

Folly has nothing to do with our IQ, education, bank account or social status.  It’s possible to be a rich fool, a fool with a PhD, a famous fool.  A high IQ, a good education, financial prosperity are not bad things; they just aren’t automatically about wisdom.

The more time we spend in Proverbs, the more often we run into … ourselves.  Any of these remind you of … you?

All of a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD (16:2).

Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom (17:16)?

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult (12:16).

A fool’s mouth is his undoing and his lips are a snare to his soul (18:7).

A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hot-headed and reckless (14:16).

Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but delight in airing their own opinions (18:2).

Well, not you, of course!  But people we know, right?

Wisdom squares with who God is, what God says, and how God acts.  Everything else is folly of one kind or another.

When it comes to wisdom and folly, we are all of us a mixture.  The sooner we face up to our folly, the sooner we will find ourselves on the Way of Wisdom.  Or as Proverbs memorably puts it:

Do you see one who is wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope for a fool than for him! (26:12)

Holy Spirit, reveal to me the fortresses and hideouts of folly in my heart and mind.  Graciously grant to me honest confession and genuine amendment of my life.  Deliver me from “me” and teach me Wisdom’s Ways, in the name of Jesus and for his sake I ask.  Amen.