Wisdom Lesson 11
The Epic Battle between Wisdom and Folly
Reflective Reading: Proverbs 9:1-10
The title of this lesson perfectly describes what is about to take place—the battle of all battles! Although we will not be able to fully get into the midst of the battle with the son today, we are going to set the stage to the epic conclusion of our Wisdom lessons. Does the son have what it takes? We’ll find out.
With the utmost urgency, the father has been preparing his son for this day. In fact, we should take heed, for it is a battle that our children will face as well. It is the battle for our children’s souls.
With insights from the previous lesson, the son is now beginning to practice the fear of the LORD—to hate what God hates and love what God loves (Pro 1:7; 2:5; 8:13). He understands that unless Wisdom is his chief pursuit in life, he will be vulnerable to Folly’s flattery, beguiling beauty, and enticing touch. He gets it! To dabble with Folly could cost him his value, valor, virtue, vigor, and vitality.
All ten wisdom lessons must be adhered to if the son is to win this battle. What should motivate him most are not the rules he must keep, but the promises presented in the last lesson. The guaranteed promise of life and the favor of God!
For whoso finds me finds life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD (Proverbs 8:35).
All the things that may be desired are not to be compared to Wisdom (Proverbs 8:11).
There’s nothing comparable! This is the abundant life that Jesus talked about. This is the pleasurable, dancing-like fun that Wisdom describes while the universe was created. And all of this can be the son’s if he can win this final battle.
Folly’s subtle enticements have been exposed by the father’s insightful teaching, until now. This time Folly is going to do the unthinkable—she is going to disguise herself as Wisdom! What a dirty, low-down scheme! This will be the ultimate test for the son. Only the wise-hearted will be able to discern between the two of them.
I know personally how difficult this can be. My mother is an identical twin. One Saturday morning I came down stairs where my “mom” was cooking. I ate breakfast, kissed and thanked her, then watched my real mom walk into the room! As the two stood there I didn’t know who was who. Even when they were in their seventies I couldn’t tell them apart. They are now in their nineties, and I can finally tell which one is my mom.
If I had such a difficult time discerning who was my real mom, then how is the son going to discern between Wisdom and Folly? Keep in mind that Miss Folly is coming to the son in disguise—as Lady Wisdom. Will the son be able to discern good from evil? A professional counterfeit agent knows a counterfeit because of all the time he spent studying the real thing. This will be the son’s only advantage. If he knows Wisdom intimately, then he will be able to discern the real from the fake.
Let’s see what the father has to say to his son before this epic battle.
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars: She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. (Proverbs 9:1-2)
Notice that Wisdom does all the necessary preparations. In the first part of the verse, she is the architect and builder. She is building a house and carving out seven pillars for the foundation. It is interesting to note that some regard the seven pillars as the seven days of creation. This fits with Proverbs 8:22-31 where Wisdom was both with the Lord at the beginning of creation and beside Him as a master craftsman.
To make sure that all know about Wisdom’s invitation to join her banquet table, Wisdom will send out her maidens to try to get the attention of those who will hear:
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city. Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that lacks discernment... (Proverbs 3-4)
Notice that she only addresses the Simple. While in chapter 1 the Simple, Fools, and Mockers are invited, in chapter 8 only the Simple and the Fools are invited. The Mockers and the Fools are now excluded—it is too late for them. Thus we can conclude that time is running out for the Simple—their invitation has a time limit.
God’s Spirit will not always strive with man (Genesis 6:3).
Thankfully, God will go to extreme lengths to get our attention. Only a fool could reject such an offer—hopefully the Simple will heed! Before we find out what the Simple will do, it is important to note that the remaining lesson is not taught by the father. Abruptly, the father stops talking and steps off the stage, allowing Wisdom to enter the scene. She will finish this lesson herself.
Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. (Proverbs 9:5)
Wisdom’s invitation to come is conditional:
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. (Proverbs 9:6)
Wisdom knows that once the Mockers and Fools are disinvited, the son may try to go after them to compel them to turn. But Wisdom knows better. Her counsel is to forsake them—STAY AWAY—and LIVE!
It is not wise to be close with the foolish, regardless of how much we might enjoy their winsome and lovable ways. Bad company always corrupts good morals (1st Corinthians 15:33). Compromise only leads to more compromise and, eventually, surrender.
At first the following verse didn’t seem to have continuity, but it does make sense:
He that reproves a scorner gets to himself shame: and he that rebukes a wicked man gets himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: (Proverbs 9:7-8a)
You can’t argue with Folly. When Folly comes in the form of a Mocker, it is best to walk away. There are better ways to defeat Folly than arguing with her. Boycotting and protesting does little to bring change. Providing something worthy, something inspiring, something better will do more good than arguing.
Wisdom continues with a beautiful contrast:
Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give correction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:8b-9)
Wisdom now brings back the well-known theme of correction. How well we receive rebuke and correction will determine how much we will increase in learning, and not just the increase of knowledge, but the most important knowledge of the universe. What is this knowledge?
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is discernment (Proverbs 9:10).
You may not be ecstatic yet, but soon this truth will soon come into focus and should blow your mind! First, notice the framing of the Fear of the LORD:
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
All of the Wisdom lessons are framed in the fear of the LORD. All the Wisdom books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs) are framed with the same. Why? Because this teaching leads to one final truth—who Wisdom really is! Who is she?
Join me next week to find out—and to hear the epic conclusion to the battle between Wisdom and Folly. Trust me, the best is yet to come!
As always, thank you for reading—may these words of Delight, Truth, and Wisdom be fastened like nails in your heart this week.
Blessings,
Dr. Mark Hamby
Regarding this epic battle between Wisdom and Folly, I would like to encourage you to read to your children or have them listen to these powerful, life-transforming stories:
· The Crown of Success bk and audio
· Sir Malcom and the Missing Prince bk and audio
