The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
The foundational truth in Proverbs is this: to deny God is to walk in the way of a fool, and to follow His ways is wisdom. Wisdom is not just the accumulation of knowledge. It is a way we walk through life, seeking to know and live out God’s truth. Folly, in the biblical sense of the word, is to hold the pursuit of truth in contempt by choosing to make our own path. A life of wisdom or folly comes from more than the individual decisions we make; it comes from how we approach the journey of life as a whole.
Reflection Questions:
What do today’s verses suggest are the goals of growing in wisdom?
Read Proverbs 9 again, paying close attention to the personification of wisdom in verses 1–12 and the personification of folly in verses 13–18. What stands out to you? How are the two different?
What fruit do you hope a month of studying God’s wisdom will produce in you?
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284 thoughts on "The Ways of Wisdom and Folly"
Needed to start this study and so refreshed just after that first devotional :)
I want to grow in the Lord so that when people see me, they notice the Lords spirit dwelling in me
Knowledge to know God better and feel equipped to walk through the world showing his love and mercy
I am happy that knowing the truth reflects Godly wisdom and denying means folly.
I want to have patience and the discipline to grow closer with God even on the days that I feel like I don’t have time in this busy life.
Very grateful for this study!
I want to find peace and grow closer to God. Truly understand his word to become a better disciple.
Yes ☦️ to become the body of Christ
Berlinda D. Gore
I’m reading my Bible and I asked what’s the biblical mean of folly? Then I begin to stoked my Bible. Then a question was asked about wisdom and folly and I didn’t know the different between the two words. I click on a page to see the different between wisdom and folly and this is how I got on this page. What’s the different between wisdom and folly? Give me a better understanding of the word wisdom and folly? Thanks!!!
I want to have gentleness.
I want to produce Godly wisdom in my everyday life but especially within friendships and my career.
I Love the word of the Lord Jesus Christ!!! I would Love to get more of the word of the Lord.
MAGNUMISM
TRULY THE FEAR OF THE LORD & THE GREAT KING IS THE BEGINNING OF TRUE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING BUT THE WAYWARD AND THE UNGODLY DESPISE WISDOM AND DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS AND TRULY GODS JUDGMENT AND WRATH WILL INDEED COMETH APON SUCH GROSS INIQUITIES OF OUR EVIL ADVERSARIES!
Proverbial idioms of revelations revealed!
I want to produce faithfulness and peace. Faithfulness in a loving God, that his plans for me are better than my own. Peace in knowing and loving God. That He will comfort me through all my seasons. I want my heart to be changed by God. I want to desire Him more so I can be a true disciple of God, and share the good news.
Great post, I was researching what it meant when God tests the heart, I am grateful for this article. It gave me solid insight and clarity on how God wants to know what is in our hearts. Love it and God bless you!
RUKIYA, would you mind sharing your testimony a little more? I’m going through this and looking for more wisdom. Would appreciate any insight you can share.
Bless me Father please to be able to walk and talk and to do things pleasing to you .Bless me to always have you on my mine!
Folly and wisdom are opposites.
I have found grace and wisdom through seeking God amidst my trials. I have had to sacrifice personal somethings like and judgement to find HIM. When I reflect on how my life has changed, and my view of it, indeed God gives wisdom!!I am a testimony.
I hope to find peace and wisdom within him
I want a heart more in tune with God.
Lord please give me a desire to seek you with all my heart every day. I want to love you more, and for my heart to be changed.
I want to seek wisdom like silver
My goal is to really become a better person. A person I can love and respect and a mentor to my children. I want to work on myself and what better way to become better but by becoming more in the image of our amazing creator and savior? I want to be a woman who is respected for my attitude above my intelligence.
I want to stay close to Jesus. I have periods of closeness usually initiated by a struggle and then as my struggles resolve I feel myself drifting away. I was to constantly remain in the Lord and gain His knowledge so I can share that wisdom with my babies as they get older
I want to be able to keep the wisdom of the lord with me at all times and apply to real life decisions and situations. We know Solomon got a so much wisdom and that amount will not be given again. The most wise decision we can make is to glean from Solomon’s wisdom.
Love this! To seek him is to gain wisdom!
Take time to Seek His Wisdom and not wisdom of knowledge or man
I hope I can reestablish our relationship that we had years ago and grow it deeper. To not only seek out God in times of need but, to seek Him everyday in the good and the bad.
my goal is to intentionally spend time with Jesus and indulge in His word
My goal is to seek Him everyday. To seek his knowledge and wisdom.
i hope to gain peace by learning more about god’s knowledge. through the wisdom he gives me, i pray to have peace and not be anxious abt the future. i want to know i have his wisdom in me so that i can make decisions in my life without stressing. sometimes it’s not as easy as saying what would jesus do because not every situation is that simple. so i hope to grow in knowledge to have peace and not be anxious about the future.
I hope to find my relationship with God and live by Him!
Goals- hear instructions and to be wise. The difference between wisdom and folley is that wisdom fears the Lord and has knowledge of the Holy One which brings insight; folley knows nothing and is loud.
I would like to gain more wisdom and knowledge of the Lord, increasing peace and faithfulness in Him.
Goals- hear instructions and to be wise
following god can help you grow in wisdom and knowledge
6 Leave your simple ways, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.” – Proverbs 9:6
Such a powerful message that I needed to hear so badly. I struggle everyday with fear and worry and this was just so spot on
6 Leave your simple ways, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.” – Proverbs 9:6
Growing in wisdom will help us fear the Lord more, obey him better, and become sharper Christians serving the Lord. Wisdom is held high and God-serving, while folly is selfish and worldly. I want my growth in godly wisdom to produce faithfulness, steadfastness, peace, and JOY!
Goals of growing in wisdom are:
Understanding the fear of the Lord; Discovering the knowledge of God; Protection from the Lord; Understanding every good path (righteousness, justice, and integrity); Rescue from evil; Happiness; Finding life; Obtaining favor from the Lord
Goals of growing in wisdom are:
Understanding the fear of the Lord
Goals of growing in wisdom are:
Why important to learn wisdom from the Lord: Biblical wisdom is ultimate wisdom to lead people to live a righteous life. It is to love, care and guide people to live our purposes of life, and to be Christ testimonial.
My hope in learning wisdom for a month: to be more like Christ-like, to incorporate biblical wisdom in my daily life.
Why important to learn wisdom from the Lord: Biblical wisdom is ultimate wisdom to lead people to live a righteous life. It is to love, care and guide people to live our purposes of life, and to be Christ testimonial.
I see the goal of obtaining wisdom as being to better enable me to keep from sin. Does anyone else have any suggestions for that reflection question?
The goal
Lord heal all of our hearts
Amen!
I hope to have wisdom to be patience by the strength of God
Lord humble and direct my ways in this world.
With the wisdom our Lord has graced me with, I pray to continue to be mindful of my words. To not put stumbling blocks before my fellow brothers and sisters with flattery that is hollow. To speak only through Christ’s filter with deliberate intent to direct and build up my fellow believers. Amen.
Amen!
I pray for peace. For myself & my surroundings.
I pray that through this time I gain wisdom that I need desperately as I feel seasons are changing. I pray that I am filled with all the fruits of the spirit however i recognize that in the area of gentleness I need help.
I pray that through this time I gain wisdom that I need desperatlyb
To build a routine in my life to help me dive into God’s word, and that the Lord would bring a desire in my heart to know Him more intimately.
Amen!
I hope to grow my desire to seek God daily, and to learn how to set my sights on him in everything I do!
yes!!
I pray for surrender of control and to lean on Gods wisdom, not my own
I hope to grow in my relationship with God.
I see the difference between life and death. I also see the teaching of humbleness; grace for the lost and accountability for Christ followers.
I hope to gain more wisdom in how God calls me to lead my life in all areas so that I may serve him, my husband, children, friends and community better.
I hope to follow back on my path with the Lord. I’ve steered away…
I hope to love and desire Christ and his ways more
Fear of the Lord is the hatred of evil
I hope to develop and practice more self control to help live out God’s purpose for my life.
I hope to prioritise the Lord above all else
I feel so blessed to have the Bible to give us such wonderful advice.
I hope to get more insight on how I should be living my life for Christ.
I hope to prioritize the Lord and knowing Him above all else that this world brings
I want to produce all the fruits of the spirit. I also want to put the plans I have aside and let God work in my life. I really want him to have the pen and guide me.
Lord, give me wisdom to pursue You above all else.
Be open to being reproved! Also, work hard and be hospitable to those around you!
I hope to understand and comprehend his words better and be more courageous.
I hope to understand and comprehend better his word.
Lord, I pray for wisdom in Your likeness and the wisdom to know and understand You better.
To follow Gods path, instead of trying to make my own.
Lord I pray that you reveal yourself and your instruction for my life as I look to learn more about you and the wisdom you have blessed us to receive
I am hopeful that God will produce in me a confidence to bring his joy and wisdom where it may not already be present.
12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
To first and foremost look to gods word for wisdom and not within myself. I love how is talks about a wise man getting more wisdom and discernment. We can always be gain more wisdom no matter how wise we may think we are.
I hope I gain discipline!!!
I truly hope to produce all fruits of the spirit after reading this series about wisdom. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. I need growth in all these aspects of my life. Now that I am a mom I want to be that example for my sons. I find myself lately lacking in all my fruits and it’s because I haven’t actively pursued God’s wisdom or him in fact. I feel God tugging at my heart to draw me closer to him and I truly pray that this is the beginning of new growth in my spiritual relationship with God.
I hope a month of studying proverbs would help me be a better Christian,sister and friend to those around me.
I hope that a month of meditating on wisdom in Proverbs produces increasing goodness in my heart. That’s a fruit that I don’t consider very often, but as I look at the difference between wisdom and folly, I see how specifically good wisdom is and am eager for more goodness to spill from my lips and life!
It is easy to act righteous and wise in one moment, in front of the right people, only to leave and do the opposite. I want to work hard to be the same on the inside and outside no matter what I’m doing or who I am around.
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learner” Proverbs 9:9
– perfection isn’t the goal, instead always being willing to grow and to learn from the Lord.
My prayer for myself is that God would reveal to me through, scripture and prayer, where I’m lacking and where i need to grow.
I pray that going through proverbs will help me grow in wisdom. To become a kinder person. And to be able to show Christ more when I interact with people.
I pray that I will gain wisdom and follow Gods path for my life the way He has laid out for me.
I hope that this journey will bring me understanding of the why’s in my life. To gain wisdom of God’s love for me, and to regain how to love myself again
I pray that I can rest on His wisdom and protection by following his Word. That I will not choose my own path, but faithfully walk His for my life.
I pray this will help me become more fully aligned, all the parts of my life, with God’s plan and with his Life in me
I pray that this study helps me to be wiser, kinder, and more understanding. Truly being able to treat the people around me with a more kind heart.
I hope to gain wisdom from God’s word on how to get my life back on track and how to treat and help others around me. I hope I gain wisdom on how I approach others so I can spread the gospel and spread God’s love to everyone around me. I hope to regain my relationship with God and strengthen it to the way it once was. I don’t know what my path looks like but I hope to learn how to listen to God and to obey and follow the path he intends me to take, not the one I want to take.
I pray that studying Proverbs will help me become wiser & stay on His path without letting me get easily distracted.
Amen!
I pray that in diving into the book of proverbs I can live out situations as he would.
I pray this month gives me the patience and the perseverance to make all my life in God’s name. To make all my movements a way to worship god and I pray this month gives me the wisdom to serve his kingdom everyday.
I hope that a month of studying Proverbs will give me the wisdom to stay on God’s path, the strength I need when facing adversity and the ability to help my family and those I love do the same.
I hope to gain wisdom to be able to speak life into my relationships with my family.
I pray a month reading the proverbs will provide me with the wisdom I need from God + the peace that comes from trusting in his word.
I pray this month of diving deep into Gods wisdom opens my eyes to truth & guidance. And motivates me to continue to practice wisdom, as wisdom is eternal not temporary.
I pray that studying gods wisdom for a month helps me respond to the world situations as he would!
I pray a month of studying wisdom will produce peace in my heart and calm my anxiety
Lord help me to gain wisdom
on the current life path I’ve been on…
In studying Gods wisdom I hope to gain patience, forgiveness and truly reflect
Lord, I seek to grow in wisdom and my trust in you amid chaotic times here on earth.
Lord I pray that at the end of this 28 day study I have found a shield of peace from God through the wisdom and knowledge I have gained.
Lord, change me by your powerful Word. Let me grow in your wisdom as I seek you here. Thank you for your instruction!
Awesome first day. I will seek Him with all my heart , he alone is my source of wisdom and life. Please forgive me Lord for putting other things before you. You are my treasure. Nothing else really matters.
Lord please open my spirit to the wisdom in this book. Let me take it from the pages to my heart.
God give me the desire to seek you this month.
❤️
I hope to produce self-control from worldly things. That my wisdom will be strong enough to know what is right and what is not
❤️
I’m hoping this devotion will challenge me in the areas of long suffering, grace and kindness. That I may be quick to listen and slow to speak and act. I’m hoping to see a visible difference in my approach to areas of conflict in my life. That I will seek wisdom that manifests into peace.
Wisdom is common sense, it moves with preparation and thought. Folly is quick, unprepared and lacks sense.
Unless I walk in wisdom I will have no understanding of righteousness.
I’m just starting this plan. I’m looking to grow my wisdom of God’s word. I want it to overflow in all aspects of my life. I want to become wiser and choose the way of wisdom.
To believe and acknowledge God and all that he is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom takes her time and is intentional. Folly is unplanned and out of control. Both seek the same things but each have different outcomes. I hope in this next month that I can grow in my relationship with God and become more consecrated to him.
This is me starting to really dive into trying to be the woman God intended me to.
Cool perspective.
Amazing revelation
It’s like he uses the inconvenience to help us perceive him. Sounds like a hot mess!
Wisdom leads to truth and folly leads to lies. In a month i hope to gain better self control.
Interesting to read verse 11 of chapter 9, how many people die young or before their time due to foolish or risky lifestyles, and those who do live longer bear the effects, whether it be physical, mental or emotional, of a life lived foolishly. Seeing older people who have lived their lives according to the wisdom of God can be a great witness of His graciousness.
So happy you’ve taken that first step. Keep seeking wisdom. Praying for your journey.
I felt that Wisdom was humble & thoughtful. Un-rushed. Folly seemed desperate & fickle.
Today’s reading was the first day I’ve cracked a bible in over a decade. I wish I’d had the same healing experience you did but perhaps it will
Take me a bit longer. Happy for your journey.
I came to this place desperate for anything. I grew up in church but I have left God for many years. I struggle very deeply with self worth and validation and it has caused my life to derail into some pretty dark places. The first words of God I read when I return to him are exactly what I needed. To be sure of myself and move away from being weak willed. Wow! Over and over God has proven to be merciful. He truly does care about the lost sheep. I feel like I have had a drink of the most healing water after decades of being very thirsty.
Wisdom felt to me strong, responsible and kind. She worked hard to create a place to share with others where they were able to find community and meaning and prosperity. Folly chose to do things on her own. She lived a life of sin and encouraged others to do so as well. Because of this, she was alone. I hope over the next month, my faith grows and I become closer with God.
I feel like I have started on a new journey with God , and I am excited.
I love this description! It helped me picture the 2 hostesses better. If the wisdom hostess is welcoming, I wonder why people pass her by? Maybe it’s that people are not humble enough to accept a free feast and develop a relationship with the lady who is hosting. Maybe Folly has beautiful food that is easy to get to without needing to be seen by her since it is stolen. No relationship, just free stuff to take and leave. Making me think, I like this!
Amen! Me too!!
I saw the same thing when comparing the parallel verses, Nicole. I found it interesting that Wisdom was both a do-er, but also requested those who came to her to act, put in work, in order to better themselves. Whereas Folly let those who visit her revel in their vices instead of grow and learn.
In comparing Proverbs 9, I found it interesting how wisdom built her own house, prepared her own bread and wine and sent out other women (she didn’t do it herself – she invited others into the fold and also was working herself) to spread her message and invite the lost to her house. Wisdom didn’t use her words unwisely or ask the straight to stray. Folly did not send messengers but went out herself having not prepare anything it seems and exclaimed loudly without much prudence about how not preparing your own but stealing and taking the provisions of others was the best way. She declared this also to make people stray from the straight path. Whoever came to wisdom would gain life while those who came to Folly would go to Sheol or, in other words, experience death. One of the most interesting contrasts is about the messengers. Wisdom prepares and works herself and collaborates with others. It demonstrates that she is honest. She has followers that have experienced life from her words while Folly has no one to send out probably because all who come to her perish
In comparing Proverbs 9, I found it interesting how wisdom built her own house, prepared her own bread and wine and sent out other women (she didn’t do it herself – she invited others into the fold and also was working herself) to spread her message and invite the lost to her house. Wisdom was didn’t use her words unwisely or ask the straight to stray. Folly did not send messengers but went out herself having not prepare anything it seems and exclaimed loudly without much prudence about how not preparing your own but stealing and taking the provisions of others was the best way. She declared this also to make people stray from the straight path. Whoever can to wisdom would gain life while those who came to Folly would go to Sheol or, in other words, experience death. One of the most interesting contrasts is about the messengers. Wisdom prepares and works herself and collaborates with others. If demonstrates that she is honest. She has followers that have experienced life from her words while Folly has no one to send out probably because all who come to her perish.
Goal of wisdom:
To change your perspective of how you view wisdom and seek Godly wisdom.
To glean the truths of wisdom are the end result of seeking God. The benefits are outlined in Proverbs – the objective is to spend time with God so we gain them.
My gain in a month, wisdom:
Ironically I posted about my journey in Judges – and sitting with scripture gives you understanding Prov 4:7 and when my Advent subscription was delivered from SRT I was reminded “you have an APP too” – so I came in to review the APP again.
I hope to ask myself probing questions that bring me closer to God and to be changed from the inside as I walk closer to Him.
Did anyone respond to your question?
I think we sometimes we forget part of prayer is taking time to listen not just us talking to God but God speaking to us through his word. In the past I have felt guilty about not taking a specific posture or space in my day to just talk to God , forgetting that my thoughts were on him and although it may not have been an “ hour” I was having prayerful thoughts. Anyway yes I do try to pray everyday but I think it’s important not to discount time spent with God just because it may not be a specific amount of time per day.
Take me deeper,Lord! All wisdom is from you!
Praying I seek Wisdom from God. Praying for discernment and to KNOW Gods word well enough not to be deceived by half truths.
I am so late starting this study! Pray that I will use wisdom to sit down and study God’s word. Pray that I will hunger to read his word everyday and that I will get nourishment from what I read
I pray that through this next month Jesus and I become closer, and I get to know him better.
So excited to start this study even though I’m late. I love how it says that when your correct a scoffer he will hate you but if you correct wisdom he will love you. This is such a good reminder for me when I’m feeling offended over correction. I love this app so very much and am so grateful for this community.
Me too … i’ m excited to understand a little more of the wisdom God wants to teach us.
I hope to gain sound judgement!
Just remember it’s okay, because you’re doing it now and that’s all that matters <3 God knows your circumstances
Hi JT! I NEVERRRR comment, much less respond to anyone’s comment (I’m shy lol), but your question is an interesting one as the amount of time spent in prayer has been weighing on my heart and spirit. Interesting enough, just yesterday and today the Lord shed light on it. You’re absolutely on the right track with your daily devotions and listening to podcasts, and you’re most definitely correct in stating that Bible tells us to pray without ceasing—with doing that alone, I felt pretty satisfied and good. But God calls us to have a more deep, intimate relationship with Him beyond those daily things. He would love for us to sacrifice our flesh and time in deliberate prayer and seeking His face. God doesn’t love us any less if we don’t spend an hour or two solely with Him, but boy how it would please Him. When you’re in a relationship with someone you enter into deeper levels of that relationship the more time spent with that person—God is the same way, if not better. Having deliberate intimacy with Him helps you to get closer and know more of God Himself. So your question isn’t a matter of if we should or if it’s necessary; it’s a matter of how close do you want to be to the Lord and know Him on a deeper level. Hope that helps and never be afraid to ask alllllll the questions! ♥️
I tried starting 17 days ago but got side tracked. I need to just do it or I’m forever going to be making excuses. I believe this is a great plan and I look forward to reading it and growing and building a stronger relationship with God as well as You all.
I hope to get better with reading my word and gain wisdom, patience and self-control
Just found the app today, was read Jackie Hill Perry’s post and so I looked you up and I’m here . Read God’s word is getting understanding for life! It is the way he can guide and order our steps.
I feel the same❣️
Recently I have found that God comes to me in little moments. For example, I have two jobs, and I can be a bit of a control freak, especially about cleaning. I’ve been cleaning non stop and working a lot. When I was leaving for my second job yesterday my coffee VIOLENTLY spilled all over the kitchen, cabinets, soaked my shoes and clothes, and the dog. And in that moment I realized I needed to stop and I called out. That night I went to Bible study and we talked about the Lord shaking you, and I feel like the Lord spilled my coffee to get my attention that I need to re-examine my time and priorities right now. I think He doesn’t always come to us is pretty, clear moments, sometimes it’s little things like throwing a coffee cup.
I just found out about this community and I’m glad to see other people have just started a few days ago as well. In comparing Proverbs 9, I felt wisdom and folly are both inviting and look the same. I think that’s why it’s important to pursue Wisdom and God’s heart so that we don’t sink into to folly because it’s easy.
I’m looking forward to this reading plan. I have just discovered this app and I look forward to diving deeper. I’m hoping that it becomes easier for me to use, as I am a mostly blind woman trying to navigate this on my iPhone. Have a blessed Monday!
So excited for this study!
This looks like fun :) I cannot wait to really learn what things like “wisdom” or folly” really mean and how they act !
Praying for a better understanding of the word when I am reading. Many times I read and am like what is this even trying to say! Ready to see what God has in store for this series
Perl
God loves us and wants to fellowship with us like he did on the garden with Adam. Our sin separates us from him and we need to surrender all to him in order to follow him. Do not let your heart be discouraged if you have been distracted by your own desires and the evil one. Turn to him, repent and seek him for he is worthy to be praised and he is the great peal that is in the field that you would give everything up to know him and follow him. If you are struggling worship and speak the truth of Christ over your live meditate on the true words of scripture. He states that he is with us and that he will never forsake us that we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us! Write them down meditate on them speak them over your family and friends until it goes from your head into your heart. I did this when I was fearful about so many things and Jesus delivered me from my fears.
I pray that God will give me the understanding to grasp His every word. That I will read and understand His word so that I may grow in wisdom and love. That I would be able to share that with loved ones and strangers alike because Gods love is for everyone. ♥️
If you have faith, understanding and listen to God’s words he will protect you. Seek that understanding like its a great treasure. You will have peace, love, and glory in God’s Word.
**Just prayed**
Question here: how do I know what God’s trying to tell me? I always ask him stuff but I never know what he wants me to do.
In our walk as believers in Jesus Christ, the main thing is not as much doing as it is knowing. Getting to know the Person and Character of God, who He is, what He is like, and how He acts and reacts. The more we get to know God, we grow into an intimate relationship with Him. His Spirit within us begins to place desires in our heart for ways to serve. Rest in who God is. Pray Ephesians 3:16-20 for yourself. God will show you what His plans are for you.
When times get easy or feel like you are doing well it’s often easy to forget how much I need God’s wisdom!
I love this
Is wisdom the beginning of love? Is wisdom the open door that gives us a glimpse of the Holy one as He truly is? I pray a month of studying His wisdom will open my heart to His true reality. God’s identity has been skewed and riddled with fallacies from my narrowed perception. God, let me be wise with who you truly are so I can love you and serve you in greater depths.
Friends – please pray for me a desire for God’s word, way, and wisdom. I feel convicted and yet so humbled to read God’s word in Proverbs today. Knowing I haven’t been close to the Lord recently but daily desire to be. I guess I’m just afraid to turn to God when I know I haven’t been following His best for me.
“her house” and “seven pillars” both refer to a home that is in proper order, with the use of “seven” emphasizing its completeness and all-sufficiency. The application of wisdom results in a complete, orderly, well-furnished house, one that lacks nothing.
❤️❤️
I hope to gain wisdom for myself. To learn, to follow his words, to love myself as God loves me. I seem to help others and lift them up but I need to learn how to lift myself up. I need to learn how to follow through for me. God does for me so I need to follow through for him.
God has gifted us with free will. So there is no condemnation for skipping a night of prayer. However, prayer will be done in many ways. Through thoughts, through praying internally for a few ministers to God and other ways too. I keep God in my thoughts, and I speak to Him frequently throughout the day.
I don’t think it is impossible to keep a relationship with God. God established the covenant between Himself and us right from the beginning with no expectation from us. God is a gentleman, so if you wish to not speak with Him as often, He won’t push it. However, what I find helpful is when I am tired and I can’t physically speak, I will just listen to music and eat in His presence or, I will listen to Him. It’s so much easier sometimes because then you start resting in Him.
There is so much goodness here! Wisdom, and understanding, are aspects of God that need to be understood not just in our thoughts, but in our emotions, our spirits and all other aspects of ourselves so that when challenges arise, God’s grace and wisdom (His word) can act as ‘pillars’ (strength) in the times we face difficulty or hardship.
What’s awesome is how the ‘seven pillars,’ could be pointing forwards to the establishment of the seven early churches. Who knows? :)
It matters. I mean, should we ditch a divine appointment with the creator of the universe? “pray without ceasing,”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV
Question here: does it matter if you pray every night? I know its impossible to keep a relationship with God, but what if I’m feeling really tired and I know I couldn’t focus on prayer anyway? Would God mind if I skipped a night here and there?
I love your insight on what you felt the pillars means. And that’s also my prayer, that I’ll be given wisdom to understand the scriptures.
Wisdom is marked by thoughtfulness. She prepares herself (read: she cares for herself and prepares her heart) to invite others in. She is a teacher. She aims to leave people better than she found them. She builds up instead of tearing down. She knows when to remain silent and doesn’t show up to every fight she’s invited to.
In my opinion , wisdom makes a person stronger emotionally and spiritually. Probably that’s what the pillars symbolises .
A wise person is a person who works hard and honestly in everything that they do whereas a folly person tries to get things or a job done by an unethical way. Finding wisdom is rare but it’s easy to be a folly person since we live in a sinful world and we’re tempted to be unwise.
I pray that during this study , I’ll be given the wisdom to understand the scriptures and apply the values that I’ve learnt in my life.
I never noticed before that the Wisdom and Folly are calling out for guests, but Wisdom is inviting them to enjoy the fruits of honest work and Folly is inviting them to indulge in the fruits of dishonesty, saying that it is more pleasurable.
Jumping on this late, but as someone else mentioned I’m also going to try to comment everyday to try to get more involved in discussion since these short verses are so loaded with meaning.
Wisdom preps is for God’s way of the world. We just have to be obedient and seek her.
Loved it!! I hope to gain kindness and self-control. ❣️
Hoping to gain some wisdom myself in how to deal with everything going on around us. Love how it started! ❤️
I pray for a heart that seeks God first. So many times I find myself talking to God when I remember, instead of making Him my go-to. So glad to be here with you ladies!
As I read the Proverbs this morning, I paid close attention to the personification of wisdom and folly. Comparing their ways, I noted that wisdom is a pursuer, but folly is a seducer. Wisdom requires intentionality and brings forth understanding and discipline, but folly is a restless beast that’s fueled by complacency. I looked up that word “complacency” and learned that it is defined as “a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.” (Dictionary.com). In this meaning, I recall a recent event where I was cleaning out a bamboo palm tree, clipping it, trimming it, and clearing the debris. It is the kind of palm tree that is thick with fronds at the base and thins out as it grows upward. After all was clipped, trimmed, and cleared, there before us was a giant, sleeping, very-much-alive wasp nest just hanging from one of the few remaining fronds. I never saw it. I could have easily grabbed ahold of it or knocked it to the ground and it would have posed a great danger to me and those who were serving with me (it was a yard day/service day at the school where I teach). There we were working in our security, completely unaware of the potentially dangerous sting of a good number of wasps. The sting of folly is often (if not always) cased in complacency. We are often unaware of the potential danger, secure in our own self-satisficed world and then the restless beast awakes only to sting us in our most vulnerable place. I am so thankful that the Lord protected me from the sting of those wasps. In an even greater way, I am reminded of how God, through Jesus, has made provision for our protection from the sting of folly through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the discernment between good and evil. Apart from the ultimate provision from the sting of the “fall” we would have no hope, no victory. “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” (1 Co. 15:55).
I agree. Well said
I’m loving the way the study began!
Definitely hope to understand and gain much more knowledge of the Holy One.
“For by me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.”
❤️Psalm 9:11
I LOVE proverbs!! So much wisdom and guidance in life! I love how wisdom and folly are described as women. It gives us such a better visual of the difference. Wisdom is a woman who is well prepared and ready for her guests and folly is a “rowdy” woman who is gullible and knows nothing, therefore, prepares nothing. Interesting to see how descriptive the Bible writes about them both.
The “all who hate me, love death” verse is so clarifying just wow !
Thank you for this clarity
To Tricia Cavanaugh and Pamela Napier Uhl:
Thank you for your kind comments. I tried to reply directly, but must have done something wrong. Blessings to you both today.
I hope that through this study I can gain a better understanding of what living with Godly wisdom looks like. I hope that through my journey my path and desires will better align with God’s plan for me and that I will make wiser decisions.
So true ❤️
I love this! ❤️
Both wisdom and folly cry out to us-we have to make a deliberate decision to gain wisdom, discernment and understanding.
I love the visual of wisdom inviting people to a table. She sent people out to invite others. Folly sits there just getting passerby, very lazy. This speaks to me that wisdom is not easily gained while you dont have to do much to have folly!
I pray for a heart at peace. I feel like my heart is at war with myself and others. Wisdom and Folly run rampant through our culture. Proverbs 9’s beautiful, metaphorical language refocuses my on Christ’s path – with God all is possible, turn to God’s Word and wisdom is bestowed.
Thank you for breaking it down for me, as I was reading I did get a bit confused finding the 2 examples. After I read your comment, I went back and I saw the 2 different women. And yes, the first woman labored & the second woman stole. Two contrasting paths.
Hugs momma! I have a three and five year old. It gets easier. But enjoy it all! Or at least try to!
Today’s readings made me think of the path I was on before giving God my life again. I was folly…. I thought walking by myself was the right way to go. Yet on that path I felt anxiety, loneliness, and confused. In difficult times I felt like I wasn’t stable and lack resilience. However, by gaining wisdom from God and letting him be my light. In difficult times I keep my eyes on God and God only!
This is exactly what I needed to hear today
Wisdom leads to truth and folly leads to lies. Never before has God been more clear with me about avoiding anything that is a lie. I pray that through this study I will be more open to seeing truth by the way of wisdom gained through God’s word. Living by truth is not always easy but nobody said it was supposed to be anyways ♥️ God bless us as we start this new study.
I hope to get a better understanding of God’s Wisdom. I feel like I don’t see him very often but I know he’s there.
I was excited to see that Proverbs started today! I have read Proverbs multiple times over the years but never looked closely at Proverbs 9. Wisdom and Folly are so apparent in our culture today. I pray for the fruit of self control — discipline in memorizing Scripture. It’s a huge and effective way to glean the wisdom that comes from Scripture! I just have never had the discipline to do it. Praying for that deeper desire so I can allow the Holy Spirit to use the scriptures I memorize to speak to me when I need it most.
I am excited to be a part of my first She Reads Truth study! I will have to re-read the passage to search further! The fruit I need and hope to gain is more love for God, myself & others!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom! Yes, I want to have the fear of the Lord, be in awe of Him, and have wisdom. I certainly need it.
Wisdom leads you to peace folly to destruction. Wisdom has order folly chaos.
I love the book of Proverbs I actually recently went through it during my Bible reading through a year. I’m hope to gain more patience as I tend to want things to happen as soon as I pray for them only to be frustrated more when it doesn’t happen on my time.
I have an 18 month old and I feel what you’re saying! ♥️ I am going to attempt to keep up with this study everyday, which already feels like it will be a struggle some days!
You’re so right! Both women have the same call, but both handle themselves so differently! The world has so much temptation and if we can be along the right path, insight won’t steer us wrong.
I liked today’s reading. It reminds us that what we gain from life and the knowledge from our experiences is what guides us to decide what path we choose in life. I believe studying his wisdom will help ease my anxiety as I enter a new phase of life: being a newlywed!
I always struggle reading Proverbs. To me, they read like Chinese fortune cookie sayings. But I am really hoping to read through and gain wisdom. To respond like the wise person, and not folly. And to gain patience, peace, gentleness and self control.
The fruit I’m hoping to gain is self-control. The podcast is really good so I hope everyone listens. I listened to it twice in fact. The verse that really stuck out to me was Proverbs 2:10for wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight you. God desires to change our hearts.
Reading everyone’s comments are so encouraging! I’ve decided to challenge myself to comment every day so that it encourages me to think deeply about the questions. I’m a mom to a 16 month old boy and have felt so exhausted and stretched thin amidst all of the duties of motherhood and life. I’ve decided to put aside all the pressures of the world and dive into God’s word wholeheartedly so that I can stand firm in the face of life’s challenges. That said, today I noticed that wisdom was prepared and folly knew nothing. It makes me think about what that looks like in my life. It’s also so interesting that they both have the same call out to the city. It reminds me that the things of this world can lure us into thinking they are right and true when in fact they are not. I’m praying for eyes to see what is folly and true wisdom.
I’m so glad to be doing this study right now. Sometimes following the lord feels risky but today’s readings (particularly proverbs 9) remind me that the Lord is a refuge for me.
I underlined the fourth line in the study book, “directing your heart to understanding.” I hope this study will direct my heart to understand rather than ignore or judge. Blessings to all!!!!
So sorry to hear that…praying for your boyfriend to be able to lean into the Lord, to be able to feel the Lord giving him the strength to say no to the substance and yes to Jesus!
I love the comparison of Wisdom and Folly notice how both are compared to “woman”, given the delicateness and sophisticated nature of a woman. With wisdom lays layers of preparation leading up to her invitation, and Folly on the other side is a rowdy noisy gong of a woman, both make appearance at high places at the city where people can hear (news/media/ high platforms to influence), but only Wisdom can make it to the highest places.
Proverbs 9:5 “Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled”. This verse shook me as it is a prophetic invitation to come to the Lord, which bread represents the broken body of the coming Messiah and wine his blood. And in Jesus are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
The book of Proverbs is always a little intimidating to me…simply because I feel like each verse can have so much to think about. It’s a deep book full of truth. I’m looking forward to growing in wisdom and hopefully growing in my fear of the Lord.
I have been reading the book of Proverbs every month this year (31 chapters = 31 days of most months) and I switch up the translations just to get new perspectives. I am excited to dive even deeper into this book of the Bible!
I love how wisdom guides and protects us on this journey. The way we receive wisdom is to ask the Lord for it. During this month of studying the proverbs, I pray I would grow in discernment and wisdom.
Both wisdom and folly call out to whoever is inexperienced. But wisdom has prepared her table and by her your days are many and years are added to your life. But in the home of folly are departed spirits. The way of folly leads to death. The way wisdom and folly are personified highlights how both choices are inviting. It is scary to think about. Apart from God we are all inexperienced. One translation says naive. So there is no way we could know which invitation is life-sustaining. But praise God! He is the one who gives wisdom. I pray that the fruit of this study is that I draw closer to Him.
Wisdom prepares and Folly takes what isn’t theirs.
So after reading in my study book, I discovered that Proverbs is one of three of the Wisdom Literature genre in the Bible. The other two, Ecclesiastes and Job, we have already studied. Proverbs wisdom is so different than the other two. I can’t wait to dive further into this study and learn even more. I will though have to get used to the format. I am not one to always write down what I feel about scripture right away, unless it is very moving.
God bless all of you my sisters and have a great week.
Wisdom invites but folly lures.
Understanding + wisdom and keeping my feet on His paths for my life <3
I was struck by how wisdom worked to be prepared to invite her guests. She built a strong home, labored to prepare good things to strengthen her guests, prepared the table, and had her women to invite from the high places is town, which makes me think theIt voices of invitation would have carried far.
Folly’s invitation was also cast widely to the crowd, but she has made no preparation for her guests, and there is no feast awaiting to strengthen them. In fact, apparently she stole the water and bread she offers them, and her food leads to death.
How interesting that both women use the same opening words of invitation, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” I am reminded of the need to look further than the surface appearance of what appears to be a “good invitation,” and the need to consult the Lord, His Word, and Holy Spirit to discern whether the invitation (in whatever form it takes) is one of wisdom That will strengthen and satisfy or just empty promises leading to death.
I love this. Thank you for your insight.
Lorrie I am so thankful I read the comments! This is so insightful!! I hope everyone notices your post.
I hope for clarity and the alignment of my path to the desires of the Only One who knows. I pray for my heart to be convicted of the ways in which I have strayed from Wisdom and followed Folly.
This is my first study in she reads truth and I’m very excited about it!
Ladies I am praying this study will help me to look inside myself to not only grow in wisdom but to see the areas of my life that I need to change. I already fed the Lord moving in my heart and I am so excited to see where this tourney takes all of us over this month.
Churchmouse, this was my prayer for the Daniel study and remains my prayer this study! (Proverbs 2:5)
Looking forward to this study. In my younger days I would read one proverb a day as there are 30– which allowed me to read them every month. I was also privileged to be part of a bible study in Sunday School that was reading one verse each week!! Yes, it’s easy to discuss just one verse a week!! I love SRT. Thanks ladies for all the comments.
My fruit needed is more humility (humble pie:)
I too, like the illustration of the two hostesses. Folly is “knows nothing” of wisdom. She is the hostess of this world. She fights for the now and cares nothing of the consequences. Following her leads to death. But wisdom is intentional and following her brings life. I pray that through this study I will lean into the voice of wisdom, to discern God’s knowledge and wisdom over the voices of Satan and this world! Prov. 2:10 & 11
So happy birthday was for WC!
I want to become obedient to God’s teachings. To have the ears to hear His words and obey. To gain His wisdom and be a light to others.
Wisdom is something special and significant in our lives. If we don’t have heavenly wisdom then we won’t be able to see Gods promise for our lives. We can’t lean on our understanding of what we think it is, but we need to lean on Gods word so we can know, we can fear him, and we can love him even more.
My boyfriend relapsed this past weekend. I think this study is coming into my life at a perfect time. We both are going to need Godly wisdom in order for us to navigate thru this season of our lives.
After reading the comments about the ideas of two hostesses, I started picturing what they may look like. Wisdom has that warm smile that draws you in. She is clothed simply and yet elegantly. Her laugh is infectious. When I first pictured folly, I pictured the exact opposite, and yet if it looked completely opposite it would be easier to stay away from. Folly has rented someone else’s home. She has had food brought in and tapestries hung. And yet there is always something off in the look in her eyes, and our enemy is lurking in the shadows of the tapestries just waiting for the moment that we allow the wine to bring down our guard. We enter and we are trapped. Only in God can we clearly see the difference. We cannot cling to our own understanding.
Me too! I like this format a lot! It also gives direction for our community discussion.
I love the reflection questions. Definitely made me think a bit more.
“You’ve Always Been” By Unspoken.
He will lead us through it all, He’s always there and always has been. A beautiful song to remember. I can’t wait to study Proverbs to help us apply wisdom in our life as we grow and learn. I always tell people when I talk about my mother, who has passed on sadly, how much wisdom she had. She studied her bible every morning and was an amazing example to us, I hope I can be that to others. But I forget that I have so much more learning and shaping to be all that God has in store for me. Yesterday’s church service is on patients, Lord knows we ALL need more of that! First for God, all in His timing. Then for others, which I think is timely. And lastly, for ourselves. When you fail, you keep trying.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IFoutAn9w0
This resonates ❤️ thanks for sharing
The fruit I hope is produced in me from studying Proverbs is found in Proverbs 2:5.
Beautiful
This was lovely and well said!
I love the question about which fruit I hope this study will cultivate. For me, I am hoping for joy and humility. This year has caused me to turn my focus to the world and even though I am abundantly blessed, I don’t feel the joy in it. Instead, I feel the burden and weight of the world. I keep waiting for it to just appear. I am choosing to “seek it like silver”.
Thank you for these amazing and insightful questions.
I may not be the wisest person but I’m always willing to hear one out (most of the time) especially if they are a godly woman who is doing her best to instruct me or pointing something out to me that needs to be corrected. As old as I am I don’t think I’ll ever stop growing or learning.
I’m hoping a month of studying God’s wisdom will give me understanding and patience. I’m pregnant and have been having a hard time with online school. Seeing you girls’ comments helps too! ❤
I was just thinking that I wanted to read through Proverbs again, so am very happy to do that with SRT & all you sisters. I know I’ll get so much more out of it with your help. Blessings, all!
Well, Marita, that was for you but I see the the “post” replies are off again.
i like the analogy of the two hostesses…
WELCOME! I don’t post often but I have followed Raechel Meyers from the humble beginnings of SRT, then with Amanda Williams. They have had a vision for women reading and studying God’s word that ha evolved and spread worldwide. It spans a wide range of ages from young women (happy 30 W C) to the older (I am 64). Sometimes the message may not resonate with you but stay with it, the Lord will bless it.
Thank you for this! This really helped me put the reading into perspective today.
I pray to be a hostess like Wisdom!
Im excited about this study. God is always right on time. I needed to hear this today.
Love those words Michelle W and pray also “to become so rooted in God’s Wisdom that my life becomes an appealing advertisement for His love!” ❤️
Seeking God’s wisdom and learning to live more in the wisdom way is exactly what I need during such a dark time!
Praise God who generously gives wisdom when we seek it! (James 1:5) I’m so excited for this study. I’m facing a big decision in the coming weeks and am praying Proverbs 2:9-15 over it.
If I’m being honest, Folly sounds a lot like my younger self. Thank God for graciously reproving and correcting me day by day.
Me too! I’m really excited for this study
I desire to become so rooted in God’s Wisdom that my life become an appealing advertisement for His love. I want to fruitfully draw others around me into His wisdom.
I’m imagining Wisdom and Folly as two hostesses. One offers something quick and easy: sweet but stolen water and secret but delicious bread. Wisdom presents a feast, but we have to be patient and intentional. She invites us down to truly feast upon what is offered: knowledge, understanding, insight, righteousness, justice, equality, discretion, deliverance, happiness, and life itself.
Sarah, I love your description of the two hostesses! I’m hoping to be more intentional and purposeful (Wisdom) and less deceptive and looking for the quickest, easiest way (Folly).
Common features of a proverb, as shared on pages 16-17 of the book, is already helping to clarify the types of proverbs for me. Aiming more to be like Wisdom than Folly!
I hope a month of studying God’s wisdom will plant integrity into my life.
Disregard my last post… oops. lol Didn’t mean to say that. I was trying to reply to
Welcome!
Welcome!!
I’m excited to dive into Proverbs more. I always have found it tricky to digest because the wisdom is not listed topically. I really like how you all chose to organize the study!
Man, wisdom and folly definitely have unique personalities! My biggest take away was recognizing that folly is passive, while wisdom is actively and faithfully working, preparing, building for whoever accepts her invitation.
(1) Goals of growing in wisdom: The readings indicate to me that the goals of growing in wisdom are diverse, varied and impactful. Essentially, to improve every facet of your life and relationship with God.
(2) Differences between wisdom and folly: What stands out to me here, is that they both appear to be offering the same thing: what we need to survive. They also are both calling out to us, pleading their case. Wisdom, however, is personified as a prepared and gracious hostess. Offering a table she set and food she prepared. Folly is personified as an available prostitute. Offering stolen goods and excitement.
(3) Fruit: I absolutely want to walk in wisdom. I want it for myself, my family, my clients. I want to recognize the voice of folly. I want to see fruit in my relationship with my daughter. I want to have wisdom to parent her well.
I’ve done studies of Proverbs before but am looking forward to each day of delving into the treasures this book contains again. Always timely and always needed. Why do I forget that all wisdom I need is right here in God’s word. Thanking God for each of you and praying over the requests I see.
I am looking forward to reading proverbs at the point in my life. I’ve been a mom for 10 years now and with my youngest I feel like I’m missing the mark, so I pray and ask you all to that as I dive deep into proverbs my wisdom and understanding grows to help me on this journey with him.
Considering all that is happening in our world currently, there couldn’t be a more perfect time for this study. Seeking God and his wisdom over the wisdom of the world is very much needed.
Wisdom is such an amazing gift from God, one our society in general doesn’t understand. We live in a world where vs. 13 -18 is just accepted, we need to stand out with love and care for all people , but have the wisdom not become as they are.
Recently, I’ve been having a lot of problems in my relationship with my SO. I’ve been reflecting a lot of our relationship and trying to admit my own corrupt self as well. My pride and my understanding of the world will not get me anywhere far, but only to death. My reflection from this reading is that I want to rely on Gods word and live in his wisdom instead of mine. I need to stop trying to take control of my life and let God lead me. I hope that not only will this study help me, but also help each and everyone of you in its own individual way that God speaks through the readings to you.
This is my first study with SRT. I just downloaded the app yesterday. I’m excited to have joined at the start of a new study!
Looking forward to reading Proverbs…and learning from you ladies as well.
I just turned 30 today and this plan could not have come at a more opportune time. I’m looking forward to spending the next month digging into Proverbs and allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate wisdom and understanding in my heart as I enter a new phase of life.
Wisdom isn’t something we take but the Lord gives it to us by his words. This is how we live a godly life.
1-12 the first thing that stands out to me is that number 7. God uses it so frequently. Meaning perfection. Wisdom- she is so ready to share with all. Avoid the unreachable
Folly – it’s biggest tempt is to those who are vulnerable. Just like Satan and sin. Her offer is water and bread (versus wine and meat).
Wisdom and discernment for some life choices I’m facing are what I’m needing—I’m thankful and excited for the timing of this study! May God make us sensitive to his leading and teachable as we study in the Proverbs.