The book of Proverbs presents us three different types of people. As you read through this week's blog, I invite you to take a close look at yourself and ask the question, "who am I being?".
Let's start with the Fool. A fool is someone who is with little or no judgment, common sense, wisdom, etc. There are over 62 verses with the word fool in it. Don't worry I'm not going to quote them all even though we could all probably use the reminder of what a fool is. Proverbs 10:18 "Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool." Proverbs 29:11 "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end." Proverbs 29:20 " Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them." One of my all time favorites...Proverbs 26:11 "As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly." (Basically learn the lesson the first time). Proverbs 14:16 "The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure." (even though his security is false) Proverbs 28:26 "Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe." Proverbs 14:3 " A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them." Proverbs 12:15 "The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice." Proverbs 20:3 " It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel." Proverbs 12:16 " Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." Proverbs 10:23 "A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom."
Being simple minded is our second trait. The term simple is not one who is stupid or slow. Being simple is a stage in the development of every person, very much like adolescence. Proverbs 7:7 "I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense." Everyone must go through the “simple” phase of life, just as they go through puberty. But simplicity is also a very dangerous time in life because those who are simple are so vulnerable and gullible. Proverbs 14:15 "The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." Furthermore, being simple is one short step from being a fool, so this critical period in life must be lived very carefully. The difference in the fool and the simple, is the simple learn from failing sometimes even from watching others' mistakes. Proverbs 27:12 "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." Several other scriptures identifying the simple include:
Proverbs 1:22 "How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?" Proverbs 1:32 "For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them." Proverbs 14:18 "The simple inherit folly, but the prudent (wise) are crowned with knowledge."
Our final trait we will cover is WISE. We all would prefer wisdom over folly - "the state of being foolish". There is so much in Proverbs regarding wisdom. These first scriptures give you direction on how to become wise. Proverbs 4:6-7 "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 3:7 " Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil." Here are some scriptures for life's stumbling blocks: Pride -Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." & Proverbs 13:10 "Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." Drinking - Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Anger - Proverbs 29:11 "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end." Women - Proverbs 14:1 "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." Greed - Proverbs 16:16 "How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!" Harmful words - Proverbs 12:18 "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." I could go on and on with these wonderful truths. Wisdom is available to all of us. Why not spend time mediating on key words of wisdom? The book of Proverbs is a great place to start seeking wisdom. Proverbs 1:2-7 "for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
Summary: The fool runs to disaster. The simple tends to wander toward disaster. The wise runs from disaster.
Thank you very much for this post! Proverbs is such a wonderful book in scripture. I try to read a proverb everyday, and I glean so much from it each time! I appreciate your blog and how it points the readers to read the Word and to find our strength and hope in that! Thank you!
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