January 10, 2024

What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord?

Proverbs 9

Adam Torma
Wednesday's Devo

January 10, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 10, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 10, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 10, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 9:9-10

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 9

The Way of Wisdom

1  Wisdom has built her house;
    she has hewn her seven pillars.
2  She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine;
    she has also set her table.
3  She has sent out her young women to call
    from the highest places in the town,
4  “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    To him who lacks sense she says,
5  “Come, eat of my bread
    and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6  Leave your simple ways, 1 9:6 Or Leave the company of the simple and live,
    and walk in the way of insight.”

7  Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
    and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8  Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
    reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9  Give instruction 2 9:9 Hebrew lacks instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
    teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11  For by me your days will be multiplied,
    and years will be added to your life.
12  If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
    if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

The Way of Folly

13  The woman Folly is loud;
    she is seductive 3 9:13 Or full of simpleness and knows nothing.
14  She sits at the door of her house;
    she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15  calling to those who pass by,
    who are going straight on their way,
16  “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    And to him who lacks sense she says,
17  “Stolen water is sweet,
    and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18  But he does not know that the dead 4 9:18 Hebrew Rephaim are there,
    that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Footnotes

[1] 9:6 Or Leave the company of the simple
[2] 9:9 Hebrew lacks instruction
[3] 9:13 Or full of simpleness
[4] 9:18 Hebrew Rephaim
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #8: Seven pillars

Fact: Seven pillars

The fact that the house of Wisdom has seven pillars (9:1) could signify perfection. Or, it could simply mean that Wisdom’s house is large and impressive.

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 9:1 The image of Wisdom’s house is of a noble lady inviting people to a great feast. Seven pillars suggests that the house is large; it could also symbolize perfection.

Proverbs Fact #8: Seven pillars

Fact: Seven pillars

The fact that the house of Wisdom has seven pillars (9:1) could signify perfection. Or, it could simply mean that Wisdom’s house is large and impressive.

Study Notes

Prov. 9:4–6 let him (who is simple) turn in here. Compare the invitation in 8:5. Leave your simple ways. Wisdom calls the simple to her feast so that they may become wise. Folly, in contrast, calls the simple to learn the way of foolishness.

Study Notes

Prov. 9:7–9 The person who desires to be wise must consider how his heart responds to wise correction (see v. 12). In order to be wise with others, he must have the good sense to observe other people’s actions. The wise or righteous person becomes still wiser, and will increase in learning, through correction.

Study Notes

Prov. 9:10 The fear of the LORD. This verse, together with 1:7, states the theme for all the appeals to wisdom throughout 1:1–9:18.

Study Notes

Prov. 9:12 for yourself . . . you alone. Each person is responsible to either accept or reject Wisdom’s call.

Study Notes

Prov. 1:8–9:18 A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom. This section describes the two paths implied in 1:7: the wise (grounded in the fear of the Lord) and the foolish (despising such wisdom and instruction). The appeals consist of: (1) a father (and mother in 1:8; 6:20) encouraging a son to seek wisdom (e.g., 2:1–22) and warning him against the ruin that comes from folly (e.g., 6:1–19); (2) Wisdom (personified as a woman) calling on all who will listen to seek her (1:20–33; 8:1–36); and (3) a final contrast of the two paths represented by Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly (9:1–18). The purpose of the section is to instruct the young and simple to embrace wisdom and to instill in them the desire to recognize and continue in the path of wisdom.

Prov. 9:18 The first major section of Proverbs (1:8–9:18) closes with a reminder that, although the one who heeds Folly’s call does not know it, her way ends in spiritual death (compare 7:27; 8:36). He refers to anyone who turns aside and follows the woman Folly (see 9:13).

S3:008 Proverbs 9

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 9

Late one Halloween night, while I was kneeling beside my bed talking with God, I looked up to see my closet filled with mysterious shadows. That eerie feeling came over me like when my childish imagination would color in those dark closet shapes with monsters. But that night, my adult brain imagined Jesus, a fully grown man, instantly appearing in my closet. It was more terrifying than any monster, because here was an all-powerful God-man before me fully capable of destroying my body and soul (Matthew 10:28).

Imagining Jesus in my room conjured up the uneasy reality that my sinful actions would forever keep me from a perfect, loving God. This fear resonates when I read "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). Respecting God's power gives me the perspective I need to be obedient to His desires and fear for what it would be like to be without His goodness and protection. This fear allows me to appreciate the significance of needing a Savior to reconcile me to God and to be eternally grateful for the gift of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).  

Even when fearing the Lord, I can find God's wisdom to be difficult to discern. I hear both women in Proverbs 9, Wisdom and Folly, say the same words, "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" (Proverbs 9:4) I need to recognize which voice is directing me because it determines whether I walk in the way of insight or toward death. I continually remind myself of God's wisdom through prayer and reading His Word so I can confidently follow His voice. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27) Without daily reminders, I easily forget how to distinguish between the different voices in my life: His wisdom, my own desire, and Satan's folly. 

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. Are you afraid of God? Why or why not? How would you describe your fear?

2. Is there anyone or anything you are more fearful of than God? Is that fear driving foolish behavior?   

3. How do you distinguish between Wisdom's and Folly's voices?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Autopsy Report - Proverbs 9 Summary of Incident: Shortly after midnight, law enforcement responded to a report of a deceased individual. The victim, a young man linked with the infamous Dane Folly, a squatter, was discovered in an abandoned residence condemned by the city— a desolate space devoid of light, signs of neglect, floor boards rotting and doors coming off the hinges. Further scrutiny unearthed skeletal remains of unknown individuals, shrouded in the shadows of secrecy. The autopsy paints a peculiar picture— a once-healthy young man succumbing to heart issues after partaking in a feast orchestrated by Dane Folly. While direct evidence of criminal activities remains elusive, there lingers an unsettling aura of revelry and celebration amid the decay. The victim, once a churchgoer, gradually distanced himself from the sanctity of the congregation, hinting at a connection to the enigmatic biblical reference discovered on the scene (Proverbs 9:13-18), provocatively repeatedly presented as various avant-garde artwork adorning the walls. investigations are underway concerning several other skeletons at the scene, each whispering their own sad tales of the past. In contrast Dane Folly loud and brash frequently disturbing the peace never whispers and neighbors are cooperating with police on what they overheard. Addendum: subsequent investigators noticed an advertisement crumpled and ripped and in the trash at Dane Folly's house. Unlock the Power of Wisdom at the School of Wisdom! Applicants sought. Led by President Lady Wisdom: Your journey to life changing enlightenment begins now. * Feast on Knowledge: Indulge in a grand banquet of knowledge where Lady Wisdom invites you to savor her wisdom. * Thriving in Continuous Growth: Discover the thrill of growth! Reprove a wise person, and watch the love blossom; instruct the wise, and witness a flourishing culture of continuous improvement. * Rooted in Reverence: Build your foundation on the awe-inspiring principle: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." * Improve your longevity: Embark on a life-altering journey! Embrace wisdom, and watch as your days multiply, and your life flourishes. * Divine Wisdom, Defined Destiny: In the embrace of divine wisdom, your destiny takes form. Let God forge a path that echoes with the divine power, and watch as your life becomes a testament to the greatness bestowed upon those who hearts are open to choosing the way of wisdom. Apply Today! Visit our website or grab a Bible, and take the first step toward a future illuminated by wisdom. Your response today shapes your tomorrow!!!
HS

Hugh Stephenson

@MICHAEL SCAMAN Brilliant. Very well done. ----------------------------------- My thought today- How important is plumbing? A few years ago I was listening to an interview with a man who has a lifetime of experience in the analysis and understanding of the deep foundational construction of the financial system in the US and in the World. In the intro the interviewer called him an “expert”. He immediately interrupted and said, “Never an expert. Always a student.” The content of the interview was extremely helpful. But his statement to the interviewer was the main takeaway that stayed with me. (PS - The guest is really a subject matter expert by any measure. I believe his response was sincere, further showing his humility.) In this man’s profession he had come to learn that the constantly changing dynamic of the financial system called for endless study and analysis. He knew he needed to know everything he could about the “plumbing” of the system. Then he could see the weakness and strengths that would aid in his analysis of financial risks. Knowing the foundational truths about how the system SHOULD work would determine how well he could understand and apply his knowledge to see how it DOES work. I see a direct parallel in Proverbs 9 and in this entire section of chapters 1-9. As a follower of Christ I can have a deep knowledge and understanding of God’s intention and design of the “system” I live in. I can see how it SHOULD work. Proverbs, the whole of wisdom literature, and the entirety of God’s Word are the foundation of the contrast that shows me what shape our “plumbing” is in; how it DOES work. In this regard, The key to God’s call to me is the constant study of His Word, surrender to His Spirit, and communion with His people. My prayer is for His Spirit to constantly keep my mind and heart wide open to what He wants me to know and do. Teachability
HS

Hugh Stephenson

From the ESV SB Notes- Prov. 1:8–9:18 A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom. This section describes the two paths implied in 1:7: the wise (grounded in the fear of the Lord) and the foolish (despising such wisdom and instruction). The appeals consist of: (1) a father (and mother in 1:8; 6:20) exhorting a son to seek wisdom (e.g., 2:1–22) and warning him against the ruin that comes from folly (e.g., 6:1–19); (2) Wisdom (personified as a woman) calling on all who will listen to seek her (1:20–33; 8:1–36); and (3) a final contrast of the two paths represented by Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly (9:1–18). The purpose of the section is to instruct the young and simple to embrace wisdom and to instill in them the desire to discern and persevere in the path of wisdom. Prov. 9:1–18 Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly. The final poem of the first major section of the book (1:8–9:18) contains contrasting personifications of wisdom (9:1–12) and of folly (vv. 13–18). Each consists of a description of the women (Wisdom, vv. 1–3; Folly, vv. 13–15), a call to the simple (Wisdom, v. 4; Folly, v. 16), an invitation to eat (Wisdom, v. 5; Folly, v. 17), and a statement about where each invitation will lead (Wisdom, vv. 11–12; Folly, v. 18). The purpose of the similarity is to highlight the differences, which present Lady Wisdom as clearly desirable in all respects. The description of Lady Wisdom is given more space (12 out of 18 verses), contains a summary of her teaching (vv. 6–10), and has her narrating the consequences of her way (vv. 11–12). The description of Lady Folly, by contrast, while emphasizing the emptiness of her character (v. 13), lacks any of her crooked instruction (i.e., nothing follows the address and appeal in vv. 16–17), and has her end narrated about her rather than byher (v. 18). In the flow of the book, this concluding chapter acts as a bookend with the introduction (cf. 1:7 and 9:10) to unify the entire section in its call to recognize, internalize, and walk in the way of wisdom. Prov. 9:1–3, 13–14, 17 The description of Wisdom’s house (she built it and hewed seven pillars) and her preparations (slaughtered her beasts, mixed her wine, set her table, and sent out her young women) is a picture of the prudence, strength, riches, and honor that she described as hers (see 8:12–21). In contrast, the description of Folly is a picture of one who lacks sense (she ... knows nothing), strength and honor (she sits at the door), and riches (she offers stolen waterand bread). Prov. 9:4–6 let him (who is simple) turn in here. Cf. the invitation in 8:5. Leave your simple ways. Wisdom calls the simple to her feast so that they may become wise. Folly calls the simple to come and not only remain simple but also to be further formed in the way of foolishness. Prov. 9:18 The first major section of Proverbs (1:8–9:18) closes with a description of where the foolish way will end: although the one who heeds Folly’s call does not know it, her way ends in death (cf. 7:27; 8:36). Herefers to anyone who turns aside and follows the woman Folly (see 9:13). The force of the contrast with the end of the way of wisdom throughout this section makes the point clear that this refers not simply to physical death but to the spiritual reality bound up with where that path is headed. --------------------------- From Constable's Notes C. Wisdom and folly contrasted ch. 9 "Like the last movement of a sonata or symphony, this final chapter of the wisdom speeches recapitulates the major motifs of chapters 1—8."[263] This chapter contrasts wisdom and folly in a very symmetrical structure; verses 1-6 correspond to verses 13-18 remarkably. This chiastic arrangement of presentation (in which concepts are repeated in reverse order in the same or a modified form) sets off the central verses (vv. 7-12) as the most important in the chapter. Both Wisdom and Folly invite the youth to seek them. These two rival invitations bring this section of Proverbs to a climax. The youth (and the reader) must now make a decision: Which one will he or she follow?
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

@michaelscaman21455 I greatly enjoy the creativity God has given you in your comments. Keep it up brother! Adam, great insight when you wrote: “I easily forget how to distinguish between the different voices in my life: His wisdom, my own desire, and Satan's folly.” Q3 - how to distinguish between wisdom and folly’s voices? I’m really struck today by the word “beginning” in Proverbs 9:10. Maybe because as a mom living in “little land” I often think “where do I begin?” In regards to prioritizing the work at hand for the day. Applying this to the heart and seeking wisdom I see the beginning as the fear of the Lord, meditating on his character, remembering what he says in his word. Distinguishing between wisdom and folly means going back to the Lord first in all choices, seeking the Spirit to lead, pulling up the word quickly in my “heart catalogue” to put it in front of my mind, stopping, or continuing to move my hands at work, and asking the Lord “where do I need to leave my simple ways today to walk in the way of understanding?” Proverbs 9:6.
GJ

greg jones

A great deeper dive this morning. The beginning of some great comments. . @Plumbing-how hard is it to pin an expert down to a single answer or explanation to a complex system? Very, because they understand variables that have to be accounted and adjusted for. Where a blueprint is a static plan, construction is a dynamic process that encounters variables. Sometimes you have to amend the blueprint. @ “Maybe because as a mom living in “little land” I often think “where do I begin?” A mom living in little land, is that a blue print or a variable? I don’t know. But because of the “system” that is described after the statement, it is in my opinion, the beginning of wisdom. What does fear of the Lord look like? My answer is I don’t know because it varies. Proverbs 9:10a says “it’s the beginning wisdom” and this comment is a great picture of the beginning of wisdom. Therefore a great picture of one of the varieties of what fear of, sometimes maybe better expressed as a fear given to us like a gift, from the Lord, looks like. Q3 How do you distinguish between Wisdom's and Folly's voices? In simplest terms-right and wrong. How do you distinguish between paths when you encounter variables? That’s a harder question for me. Proverbs 9:10b says “knowledge of the Holy One is insight.“ So what outcome do I desire? What outcome resembles wisdom the most and folly the least? Pick a path and track results-knowledge of (from) the Holy One is insight. Distinguish between paths as needed choosing is a dynamic process that is guided by our blueprint. The blueprint is static, as I construct my life acknowledging it it becomes dynamic Hebrews 4:12.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. No, because I make time to know Him and for Him to know me. The only fear I ever had was trying something new. I am ok and things are good because God’s advice in making choices of new things helps me know what to do and to value new things. 2. Yes, but God helps me work for the good in anything and to help others work for the good too. Knowing things versus wondering and worrying is good and decreases fear. 3. I use God’s values. Adam - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make an excellent point in saying “Respecting God's power gives me the perspective I need to be obedient to His desires”. Recognizing God’s power helps acknowledge the specifics of why He is so powerful and helps us connect with Him.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks, Adam. Great devo. Verse 7 jumped off the page at me: “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.” This was written thousands of years ago, loooooong before social media was invented, but Solomon’s wisdom shines like a beacon of light and truth. Thanks to the protection and anonymity of intervening screens, people are bolder than ever before to correct mockers, insult those who say things we don’t like, rebuke the wicked, and heap abuse on those who call out wrong or unacceptable behavior. Except now, with the internet, it’s possible to do these things in front of hundreds, thousands, or even millions. Yowza! I am reminded of Paul’s supernatural wisdom in 1 Corinthians 10:31–“Whether you eat or drink [or post on social media], do all to the glory of God.” I’m also thinking of what he wrote in Colossians 3:17—“Whatever you do, whether is word or deed [I’m looking at you, social media] do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus . . .” If we followed these guidelines, we would be a sweet fragrance of Christ rather than the putrid stench of what Solomon warned us about.
MS

Michael Scaman

I remmember a couple years for 1-3 Sunday School I used a curriculem The Way of Wisdom: I was easier to find wise people who no longer were living as examples for the kids like he girl who walked 5 miles for a Bible story. It was easier to fin foolish cartoon characters (with the possible exception of Papa Smurf) Yjr Muppet Hecklers were examples of mockers on the wall.