“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.”
Prov.9.8;
Discussion
The book of proverbs reveals two entities we all generally listen to. The actions we take are indicative of the entity we have listened to. Counsel from each of these two entities always leads to opposing destinations; fulfilment or destruction. First is Lady Wisdom. Wisdom beckons on passersby to listen, learn and be preserved from destruction; Prov.9.1-6NLT Wisdom calls out to those who will respond, and makes them wise and prosperous in life. Prov.9.10-12; "Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer."
On the other hand, there is Lady Folly, who calls also calls out to those who would respond, but the call of folly is different. Folly counsels you to engage in sharp practices; steal, commit adultery and to pervert judgement. Prov.9.13-18NLT. Wisdom counsels you to fear God and keep His commands, but Folly lures you into worldly lusts. Beloved, those who listen to the counsel of Folly always end up in destruction.
Folly feels adventurous with much excitement and immediate gratification; "stolen waters are sweet and food eaten in secret is pleasant", but Folly has only one end for her listeners; death; "But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell. “Prov 9:18. Turn away from folly and listen to wisdom!” Shalom Uvracha!
Confession
I refuse to listen to the voice of folly. I walk in divine wisdom always. Amen!
Meditation
Prov.9.16-18; — Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.