Fine Line Between Wisdom and Folly; Proverbs 9, Job 17-18

May the mumbling commence!

There is a fine line between wisdom and folly.  And that fine line becomes blurred to human vision especially in times of distress.  Note the fine line between wisdom and folly from Proverbs chapter nine:

Wisdom has built her house,

She has hewn out her seven pillars;  

She has slaughtered her meat,

She has mixed her wine,

She has also furnished her table. 

She has sent out her maidens,

She cries out from the highest places of the city, 

 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" (Verses 1-4a)

A foolish woman is clamorous;

She is simple, and knows nothing. 

For she sits at the door of her house,

On a seat by the highest places of the city, 

To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way: 

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" (Verses 13-16a)

Both Wisdom and Folly seek out the high points of the city to call out to those who wander: “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”  It could be confusing – which is Wisdom and which is Folly? 

Did you notice the verbs that accompany Wisdom and the verbs that accompany Folly?  Wisdom’s verbs are all action verbs – she has built, hewn, slaughtered, mixed, furnished, and sent out.  Wisdom is active and all that she has is her own.  She also welcomes company and relationship –she has maidens to send out! 

Folly’s verbs are mostly state-of-being verbs – She is.  And what is she?  She is clamorous and simple. She knows nothing.  The only action verb associated with her is sitting! Nothing she has is her own.  And she is alone. 

Yet the beginning sales pitch of both Wisdom and Folly is the same.

Now consider discerning between Wisdom and Folly is times of duress and distress – like the time of Job.  It can seem quite hopeless.  Read from Job’s words from chapter seventeen:

My days are past,

My purposes are broken off,

Even the thoughts of my heart. 

They change the night into day;

'The light is near,' they say, in the face of darkness. 

If I wait for the grave as my house,

If I make my bed in the darkness, 

If I say to corruption, 'You are my father,'

And to the worm, 'You are my mother and my sister,' 

Where then is my hope?

               As for my hope, who can see it? 

Will they go down to the gates of Sheol?

Shall we have rest together in the dust?" (Verses 11-16)

Cheerful words ring hollow.  Accusing words sting the faithful sufferer.  Where is my hope?  Who can see it? 

And how does his friend Bildad answer him?  He talks about wicked men!  His words define a wicked man quite apply:

Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked,

              And this is the place of him who does not know God."  (18:21)

To know God is to discern that fine line between Wisdom and Folly.  May we seek the Lord’s Spirit together! 

Enough mumbling for now… 

Peace Out