Wise Or Foolish?

A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct,but a man [or woman] of understanding delights in wisdom.

Proverbs 10:23 (NIV)

This proverb sets before us two women, a foolish woman and a wise woman. The point is not just for us to see the difference, but for us to choose who we are now and who we want to become.

Woman number one is foolish. She finds pleasure in evil conduct. She plays games that cause trouble. She takes a wicked pleasure in causing division or hurting people’s feelings. She is drawn to sin, and no matter how much grief it brings her or others, she keeps going back for more. She is foolish because she never learns that the ounce of pleasure she gets in the moment of sin later delivers a pound of heartache. Second Timothy 3 tells us, “In the last days perilous times will come: For [people] will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, . . . headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (vv. 1-4, NKJV).

But woman number two is a wise woman, a woman of understanding. Psalm 1:1-2 is her mantra: “Blessed is the [woman] who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But [her]delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law [she] meditates day and night” (NIV).

So, to be wise or foolish? That is the question. The point is for us to choose. Who are we now, and then who do we want to be?

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Part of becoming wise involves becoming increasingly sensitive to the red flags of warning and conviction sent by the Holy Spirit. For instance, if you’re in a group of women and someone says something that triggers negative emotions in you, you might feel the desire rising to shoot back a sharp, retaliatory word. God will be faithful at the same moment to give a “check.” What does that little voice sound like? It can be as simple as, “Zip your lip,” “A soft answer turns away wrath,” or, “Count to ten, Debbi. Count to ten.”

One Year Bible Reading

Leviticus 27:14—Numbers 1:54; Mark 11:1-26; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 10:23