What other Proverbs emphasize the value of wisdom over folly? Wisdom’s crown and folly’s empty hands “The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.” (Proverbs 14:24) Proverbs that spotlight the blessing of wisdom • Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” • Proverbs 3:13-15 – “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.” • Proverbs 4:7-9 – “Wisdom is supreme; acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.” • Proverbs 8:10-11 – “Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.” • Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” • Proverbs 13:20 – “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” • Proverbs 16:16 – “How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.” • Proverbs 19:8 – “He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.” • Proverbs 24:3-4 – “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.” Proverbs that expose the cost of folly • Proverbs 10:1 – “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.” • Proverbs 10:23 – “A fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.” • Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” • Proverbs 14:8 – “The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.” • Proverbs 15:21 – “Folly is joy to one without sense, but a man of understanding walks uprightly.” • Proverbs 26:11 – “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” • Proverbs 28:26 – “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be kept safe.” Patterns to notice • Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord, not with human intellect or experience. • Wisdom consistently yields lasting treasure—honor, protection, success, and joy. • Folly is self-deceptive: fools believe they are right while sinking deeper into ruin. • Companionship influences character; walking with the wise elevates, but folly spreads by association. Living out the contrast • Treasure Scripture’s counsel more than material gain, just as Proverbs 3 and 8 urge. • Pause and seek counsel before major choices—Proverbs 12:15 reminds us that fools rush ahead alone. • Cultivate friendships that sharpen you spiritually (Proverbs 13:20). • When corrected, receive it gratefully; correction is a gift that turns folly into wisdom’s crown. |
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