Proverbs in 31 DaysSample

Proverbs is well-known as a book of short verses of practical advice, which we will dive into starting tomorrow, but Proverbs 1-9 introduces us to the characteristics of the wise and foolish through the story of two women. We have met the characters of Wisdom and Folly (aka “the adulterous woman”) already in Proverbs 1-8, and Proverbs 9 brings them together in one chapter to give us a concise summary so we may recognize their call in our lives. We’ll take a look at the differences in these characters, and then dive into how that applies to our lives.

First, we see that wisdom values preparation; folly finds convenience. Wisdom prepares a place for those who are inexperienced, providing shelter and nourishment, investing in others. Folly, on the other hand, invests no effort, choosing to sit on her front porch and speak to those who happen by her way.

Next, we see that wisdom instructs; folly distracts. Wisdom broadcasts the call to come so that everyone can hear the invitation. She recognizes the cacophony of messages in this world and clearly tells all to come to her for help. Folly, meanwhile, distracts passers-by from their efforts, keeping them from their purpose.

Finally, wisdom offers meaning, but folly offers emptiness. Wisdom invites everyone to a safe place to learn truth and to live a meaningful life. Folly has nothing to offer but empty words and bad ideas that lead to death.

So we come to the end of this chapter with a good overview of the two paths we can choose. We can choose the path of Wisdom—an open invitation to come to a place intentionally prepared to meet all our needs and offering an abundant life. Or we can choose the path of Folly—a convenient option to the path of least resistance, offering lies and emptiness.

In our daily lives, this choice shows up in how we choose to spend our time, talents, and treasures. It may look like: the choice between doing what is right ethically or doing what is easy economically. It could be the difference between diving into God’s Word each morning or going back to sleep. Maybe it’s investing in a community need or buying something we don’t need. Or perhaps for you, it’s arguing over worldly things instead of learning about Godly things.

The choice between wisdom and folly started in the Garden of Eden and continues today. Jesus summarizes this situation in John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Wisdom through God offers clarity to the confusion in this crazy, broken world. We are called to refuse and avoid the convenience, distraction, and emptiness of folly that leads to confusion and emptiness. Instead, God calls us to wisdom—to value preparation, instruction, and truth, guiding us to the meaningful life He designed for us.