A Life in Exile

We learned from the first chapter of Proverbs that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This foundational truth is repeated as we move into the ninth chapter of this rich book. As walking in wisdom multiplies our days and extends life, the writer brings a contrasting picture, revealing the life of one who scoffs at wisdom.

Folly is her name

It is easy to draw a picture of such a person in the final passage of chapter nine.

The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, “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 Sheol. (Proverbs 9:13-18 ESV)

The person who scoffs at wisdom is a fool, and this description of folly reveals the essence of her character. Let’s outline the basic characteristics.

Deception is her game

• Folly is loud and seductive. She draws attention to herself by a lack of shame, both verbally and sexually.
• Folly draws in the simple-minded and those who lack sense. A wise person avoids being taken in by such people. Knowing this, the foolish person targets the naive and unsuspecting. They are easy to trap and convince.
• Folly easily diverts people from their routines. She’s like the flashy store window or social media post that distracts and deters.
• Folly entices people by convincing them to think they’re getting something for free or that they don’t deserve. Free is rarely “for free,” and folly always requires a price to be paid.
• The price of pursuing folly is death and hell. Nothing good can come from going the way of folly.

Any attraction of folly is a deception intended to trap others and lead them away from God. The further a person goes in chasing after such a person, the farther they go from wisdom and the way of the Lord. It will not end well.

By knowing the way of folly, we can stand firm, pursue wisdom, and find life, for where there is wisdom, there is God.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.