What other scriptures emphasize the importance of wisdom over foolishness? Setting the Scene with Proverbs 26:3 “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools.” Wisdom’s High Value Throughout Proverbs • Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” • Proverbs 3:13–14 – “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.” • Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” • Proverbs 10:13 – “Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.” • Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” • Proverbs 13:20 – “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” • Proverbs 14:7 – “Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.” • Proverbs 18:2 – “A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.” • Proverbs 28:26 – “He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.” Wisdom Celebrated in the Poetic Books • Job 28:28 – “Behold, the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” • Psalm 14:1 – “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” • Ecclesiastes 7:5 – “It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise man than to listen to the song of fools.” • Ecclesiastes 10:2 – “A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.” Echoes from the Prophets and Historical Narratives • Isaiah 5:21 – “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” • 2 Chronicles 1:10 – “Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people.” Jesus on Wisdom Versus Foolishness • Matthew 7:24–27 – Hearing and doing His words is like building on rock; ignoring them is building on sand. • Matthew 25:2 – “Five of them were foolish and five were wise.” • Luke 12:20 – “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you.’” The Early Church’s Call to Walk Wisely • 1 Corinthians 1:18 – “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” • 1 Corinthians 1:25 – “The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom.” • Ephesians 5:15-17 – “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise… Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” • James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” • James 3:13 – “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” • James 3:17 – “The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.” • 2 Timothy 3:15 – The Scriptures “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Treasure wisdom above wealth or status. • Begin with reverent fear of the Lord. • Welcome correction; it protects and refines. • Choose companions who pursue wisdom. • Anchor every decision in Christ’s teaching. • Ask God daily for wisdom—He gives generously. • Let wisdom show through humble, peaceable, merciful conduct. |
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