Proverbs 9

Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table. She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding….A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat by the highest places of the city, To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way: “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Stolen water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of hell.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9:1-6, 13-18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

There are two competing forces that are always calling out for our attention: wisdom and folly.  These forces are at work within us for every decision we make.  Seeking wisdom and following the guidance found in God’s Word will ALWAYS provide a better outcome in the long run compared to seeking folly or foolishness.  Wisdom typically appeals to our minds and folly appeals to our senses. Since it is easier to stir up the senses, oftentimes the simplest and quickest choice ends up being the foolish one.  When we make decisions based on our feelings without stopping to seek God’s advice or the counsel of a trusted advisor, it is easy to get into trouble.  All too often, doing what feels right in the moment will even lead to unwanted consequences.  After extensive investigation, deliberation and meditation on the choice between wisdom or folly, here is King Solomon’s conclusion: “I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. The wise have eyes in their heads, while the fool walks in the darkness…” (Ecclesiastes 2:13-14).  So how can we become more wise?  Gaining knowledge through studying Scripture is a crucial part of the process.  “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).  Once we have knowledge of God’s character, His ways, and His will, we can make wise decisions by applying that knowledge to our thoughts, words, and actions.  Be prepared, however, for the fact that using godly wisdom in our everyday life is often opposite of what the world is doing and what our flesh wants to do.  This is all part of being a believer.  As followers of Jesus Christ, our desire is to follow His example and please Him.  This means choosing the wise path rather than what may be the easier or more convenient path.  It will be challenging at times, but it is for this reason that we have access to God’s strength and power whenever we need it: “Do you not know? Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:28-29).  Sally Clarkson wisely wrote: “Anything else substituted for God, His Ways, His wisdom will disappoint and lead you further down a road of foolishness.” 

God has an infinitely better plan for our lives than that.  Choose wisely.