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Day 3: Wisdom and foolishness – part 3

If we fear the LORD, then our lives will be marked by a determination to seek His wisdom. These proverbs tell us to set our faces towards His wisdom. In contrast, a fool thinks only of earthly things and his dreams are unrealistic (Prov. 17:24).

The opposite of wisdom is folly. Folly may not look dangerous to us at the time, but we are warned that it would be better to meet an angry mother bear than to fall in with fools (Prov. 17:12)!

The world tells us to follow our heart’s desire, but Wisdom tells us that such desires without a knowledge built on the fear of the LORD are not good (Prov. 19:2). May the LORD give us desires that are in line with His Word.

Wisdom guards us against gullibly protecting our neighbour. Such gullibility is not loyalty, and can lead to ruin (Prov. 17:18). 

A fool would not buy wisdom, even if he was able to (Prov. 17:16). Fearing the LORD and obeying Him is the true source of wisdom and may the LORD give us grace to do this. 

A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.

– Prov. 17:2

Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly.

– Prov. 17:12

Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?

– Prov. 17:16

One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbour.

– Prov. 17:18

The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

– Prov. 17:24

Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.

– Prov. 19:2

Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.

– Prov. 19:8

The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.

– Prov. 20:2

The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

– Prov. 20:5

Father God, by Your wisdom You laid the foundations of the earth and nobody can question Your wisdom. You made us in Your image to glorify and enjoy You forever.

We lay before You all the desires of our hearts this day. Help us to put aside all that is selfish, wrong-hearted and against Your Word. Please forgive us our wrong desires and create in us a clean heart that loves You.

Please answer this prayer, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

– Graham Barnes