How does Luke 15:13 connect with Proverbs on wisdom and foolishness? Firm Foundation: Scripture’s Literal Truth - Luke 15:13 records an event Jesus presented, preserved with complete reliability. - Proverbs offers literal, God-given principles that expose folly and commend wisdom. Luke 15:13 in Full “After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living.” Proverbs Portrait of the Fool - Proverbs 1:7 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” - Proverbs 12:15 — “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” - Proverbs 21:20 — “Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.” - Proverbs 29:3 — “A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but one who consorts with prostitutes squanders his wealth.” Side-by-Side Connections • Gathering his inheritance prematurely • Proverbs 20:21 — “An inheritance gained too early in life will not be blessed in the end.” • Leaving the father’s house, rejecting family counsel • Proverbs 15:5 — “A fool despises his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.” • Journeying to a distant country, moving outside protective boundaries • Proverbs 29:15 — “A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.” • Squandering wealth in wild living • Proverbs 21:17 — “He who loves pleasure will become poor.” • Proverbs 13:11 — “Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but he who gathers by manual labor will increase.” Consequences Foretold by Proverbs - Poverty and shame follow ignored discipline (Proverbs 13:18). - The chosen path ends in loss and emptiness (Proverbs 14:12). Luke 15:14-16 demonstrates each outcome in the younger son’s life. Trajectory Toward Wisdom - “He came to his senses” (Luke 15:17) aligns with Proverbs 28:13 — confession and turning bring mercy. - His return affirms Proverbs 3:5-6 — trusting the Father restores direction and favor. Living It Out Today - Start with fear of the LORD, not self-gratification. - Honor parental and biblical counsel before major choices. - Build and steward resources wisely. - Detect early drift toward folly and turn quickly back to the Father’s embrace. |
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