“Wisdom has built her
house…she has also set her table...she takes her seat on the highest places. ‘Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of understanding’…the fear of the LORD is the beginning of
wisdom…The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge…she
takes a seat on the highest places… calling to those who pass by… ‘Whoever is
simple, let him turn in here!’” Proverbs 9:13-14.
Wisdom and Folly…they are spiritual sisters who will always
be at odds. They live estranged from
each other and neither delights in the other.
And yet they are called to walk out the same journey but they make very
different decisions. One methodically
and intentionally invests in the future while the other lives in the now. Wisdom builds her house on the spiritual
truths of God while Folly builds her foolish reputation by walking in the
impulses of the world. Wisdom carefully
sets the table for her guests serving baskets of righteousness and goblets of
grace. Folly is too busy shouting
temptations and chasing after things that are of no substance. Both sisters take their seats in the highest
places of our minds and hearts. Who will
we hear?
The translation for simple in this passage is without moral
direction and inclined to evil. Of course, as long as we are on this earth we
still qualify for simple living. I
couldn’t help but be amused by the contradiction of the word and its
lifestyle. Our lives are anything but
simple when we fail to use a moral compass in our daily walk. Lady Wisdom tells us that life really doesn’t
begin until we walk away from our sin or weakness. She also understands that her name originates
by living a life revering God. Her
sister Folly deserves no special title because Folly walks in the foolishness of
the world.
Both ladies send us invitations to visit their home. Both ladies call out to us from their desire
to share their offerings. Lady Wisdom
wishes to give and Folly only knows how to take. Let us choose well when considering where our
time will best be spent.
‘But seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well.’ Matthew 6:33.
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