June 9, 2025 -- Proverbs 9:1-6, 13-18 -- Where you at? The house of folly or the house of wisdom?
/People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
Wisdom has built her house;
she has hewn her seven pillars.
2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her young women to call
from the highest places in the town,
4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
To him who lacks sense she says,
5 “Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”
13 The woman Folly is loud;
she is seductive and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house;
she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15 calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Proverbs 9:1-6; 13-18 ESV
Notice that wisdom and folly both call out to the simple. The verses, which were not quoted today, but you should read (I’ll wait, seriously, look them up) note that a scoffer refuses to be corrected or instructed. A wise man who is instructed will be wiser still. What is the point?
The women wisdom and folly have both set a table. There are appealing delicacies on each table. The house of wisdom and the house of folly seem to be at the highest places in town. They are the places that are attractive, well-lit and beautiful. How can you tell the different between the two when both appear desirable?
Without the instruction of the LORD a man, or a woman, will not have the sense to choose right from wrong. Without the constant mentoring of faithful Christians, immature believers lacking discernment will think they are smart enough and strong enough to make decisions which affect their faith, their future, their very foundations. Without faithful, biblical preaching Sunday after Sunday, Christians will wither and die, and all discernment will leak out of them.
Common sense is not enough to distinguish right from wrong. A man who claims to be a Christian is dating a non-Christian. She is beautiful. She is willing to go to church, though she says she is open, her heart is more interested in gaining a moral man than she is interested in knowing Jesus. It is a trap for a foolish man.
A woman has a Christian boyfriend. She goes to church twice a Sunday; he once. She reads her Bible regularly and prays; he is a gamer and often misses his times with God. A wise woman needs to discern the fact she is more mature than he is. Worse yet, he might be a total poser, not even a Christian, but is a moral man masquerading as Christian. The mask will, one day, fall off. Especially if he is not willing to be corrected, for then she’ll know he is a fool, and not a Christian at all. And she is a fool for chasing him. She’ll regret her disobedience to Jesus.
When Jesus’ disciple John was an elderly man, he wrote to various Christian congregations and warned them. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world “I John 4:1 ESV). There are so many things which on the surface appear to be safe, or neutral, or harmless, but they are the bait on the hook of the devil. When faced with a choice, apply the words of John. Examine your motives. Examine closely what is before you, is it from wisdom or is it good in appearance but the fruit of folly? Pray for the spiritual discernment you need. Let the Holy Spirit lead you, rather than allowing yourself to be led by your vices and wayward desires. False prophets sound so good—but ask yourself is everything they say in-line with the word of God? Are they humble? Can they be corrected when it is pointed out to them what they say was out of step with the word of God? Do their teachings come true? What is the fruit of their life? Can you see evidence of the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)? If you’ve answered “no” to any or all the above discernment tools, be careful. Run. Such men or women are actually ministers of folly and join the wicked woman in wooing others to death.
Those who are wise unto salvation seek out Christian friendships. Those who are wise seek Christian mentors. Those who are wise for Jesus, love His word, the Bible. It is important to note that all the Bible is supposed to be in red letters. Why? It is inspired by the Spirit of God. Jesus quoted the Old Testament quite often so that believers should realize if they want to know Jesus, they must know all the Bible. He is the central figure, the cornerstone on which the whole Bible is built. Through Jesus ones comes to the Father. Those who are wise unto salvation attend church, regularly. Ask yourself right now, are you in the house of folly or in the house of wisdom?
Faithful Father, thank You for Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world. Jesus, who while walked this earth always choose wisdom, fully committed to walking in wisdom’s ways. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the very same Spirit who filled Jesus to fullness beyond measure. By the powerful presence of Your Spirit in me, lead me in wisdom. Humble me in the areas of my life where I’ve been too proud or too blind to see that the way I’ve chosen is destructive. I hold to Your promise that everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. Everyone who has been born of God loves You, Father, and obeys Your commandments. Such obedience is not burdensome, but it is the response of love directed to You, Who rescued us in Jesus from the clutches of folly and eternal hell. What great love You have given to me, dearest Father, that I should be called Your child! Amen.
https://youtu.be/oxpPIa-BskY?si=1CbUbsMLBEO2b5N8 All I Once Held Dear
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