Wisdom or Folly – A Fine Line

A pivotal chapter in which Proverbs hangs, Proverbs 9 is short with a narrative format unlike most of the remainder of the book. No pithy similes, here is the simple story comparing wisdom to folly. The call is the same – both call "Let all who are simple come in here," particularly targeting those who lack judgment. Both call from the door of their homes, both homes sitting at the highest, most visible, even most respectable part of the city. From wisdom, the invitation is to come into a beautiful home, where the best banquet has been set and the maids wait to serve. But from folly, the same call is to enter a living cemetery, where the dead await, water is stolen, and food will be secretly eaten. The temptation? The sense of momentary delicious satisfaction that draws the rebellious, the one who thinks that somehow the wise way is just too simple, too boring, too restrictive. I'm reminded of the popular Chinese proverb, "Teachers open the door but you must enter by yourself." ( 师傅领进门，修行在自身.) A better translation might be that "teachers lead you to the open door, but cultivation is within yourself."

 

So what is the difference? How might this simple, judgment lacking person have the discernment to know who to follow? Folly is loud, undisciplined, and without knowledge. Wisdom, on the other hand, has carefully planned, quietly built a beautiful home, and in particular calls to those who are willing and humble enough to accept correction. How does one both know how to discern the right people to listen to, as well as take responsibility for actions?

 

I read this chapter 5 months ago when I was facing financial challenges and unsure about work. From that day to the next 3 I was to be attacked by as challenging of a work challenge as I have ever experienced. Until I walked thru that particular challenge over the next 10 days, I would be unable to look at scripture with any degree of understanding. At the time the only thing I could see from here was that humble wisdom accepts mockery, without correction or rebuke. Because in the end the banquet is waiting for those who place a priority on walking in the way of understanding, who are willing to accept teaching, especially when it includes correction and even rebuke. It is those who can experience that fear of the Lord, who can understand some knowledge of the Holy One, who will ultimately be rewarded by their wisdom, even though the way is accompanied by mockery.