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Wisdom & Folly, Life & Death (Proverbs 9:4 & 9:16)
“ “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says…” Proverbs 9:4 and again in Proverbs 9:16 (NIV)
This same verse shows up twice in chapter 9 of Proverbs. It shows up twice because the chapter is directly contrasting wisdom and folly. Both are personified as women, both set up their home and table, and both invite the simple to come in and eat with them.
The call is the same.
But the experience at the table and in the home is very, very different.
Wisdom invites the simple, those who have no sense, to learn from her. To walk with her, get to know the Lord with her, learn from her, and ultimately find life by following her ways. Folly, however, offers the temptation of stolen fruit and wine, promising it is delicious. But instead, she offers death.
When we consider the final outcome of these two options - wisdom and folly - our decision is obvious. Who would choose death over life and joy?
But when we first hear them calling - when we hear wisdom and folly both call to us, “Come to my house!” - in the moment, our temptation is toward what folly offers.
Wisdom invites us in, offering us food and wine but also calling on us to leave our simple ways and find life by following wisdom’s insight. If we are willing to change, learn, grow, try new things, and put in some effort, we can enjoy the good life she offers.
But Folly offers us sweet, wonderful food that we didn’t even have to work for. It is stolen - and delicious. It sounds easy and tempting. She does not offer death… but, as the Scriptures tell us, that is the end result.
As I read through this chapter and see the repeated invitation - from Wisdom and from Folly - I find a need to humble myself. I must admit that apart from the Lord, I am indeed someone with no sense. It is far easier to accept the stolen, sweet, delicious food than it is to put in effort, be willing to change, and accept the Lord’s correction.
But I want the life offered. I want that for my family. So do you. Which means, when we hear the invitation, the call to come, we must pray the Lord gives us eyes to see the full picture. Lord, help us to choose wisdom over folly. Life over death.
hugs & blessings,
Jess
© Love Your People Well LLC
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This daily-ish devotional is published primarily for paid Patreon supporters. Some days will be made available to the public. No devotionals are published on Sabbaths (Sundays) and I'm confident I will miss other days here and there as well... therefore, daily-ISH.
💕 May God get the glory and may our families be blessed as we grow in our faith.
11 mins