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Wisdom & Folly, Life & Death (Proverbs 9:4 & 9:16)

“ “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says…” Proverbs 9:4 and again in Proverbs 9:16 (NIV)

This same verse shows up twice in chapter 9 of Proverbs. It shows up twice because the chapter is directly contrasting wisdom and folly. Both are personified as women, both set up their home and table, and both invite the simple to come in and eat with them.

The call is the same.

But the experience at the table and in the home is very, very different.

Wisdom invites the simple, those who have no sense, to learn from her. To walk with her, get to know the Lord with her, learn from her, and ultimately find life by following her ways. Folly, however, offers the temptation of stolen fruit and wine, promising it is delicious. But instead, she offers death.

When we consider the final outcome of these two options - wisdom and folly - our decision is obvious. Who would choose death over life and joy?

But when we first hear them calling - when we hear wisdom and folly both call to us, “Come to my house!” - in the moment, our temptation is toward what folly offers.

Wisdom invites us in, offering us food and wine but also calling on us to leave our simple ways and find life by following wisdom’s insight. If we are willing to change, learn, grow, try new things, and put in some effort, we can enjoy the good life she offers.

But Folly offers us sweet, wonderful food that we didn’t even have to work for. It is stolen - and delicious. It sounds easy and tempting. She does not offer death… but, as the Scriptures tell us, that is the end result.

As I read through this chapter and see the repeated invitation - from Wisdom and from Folly - I find a need to humble myself. I must admit that apart from the Lord, I am indeed someone with no sense. It is far easier to accept the stolen, sweet, delicious food than it is to put in effort, be willing to change, and accept the Lord’s correction.

But I want the life offered. I want that for my family. So do you. Which means, when we hear the invitation, the call to come, we must pray the Lord gives us eyes to see the full picture. Lord, help us to choose wisdom over folly. Life over death.

hugs & blessings,

Jess

© Love Your People Well LLC

Visit www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com for free resources, devotionals, and more.

This daily-ish devotional is published primarily for paid Patreon supporters. Some days will be made available to the public. No devotionals are published on Sabbaths (Sundays) and I'm confident I will miss other days here and there as well... therefore, daily-ISH.

💕 May God get the glory and may our families be blessed as we grow in our faith.

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Until now.

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Let’s dive in.

hugs & blessings,

Jess

RESOURCES FOR YOU

FREE: 51 Self Care Ideas List

DEVOTIONAL: Find biblical joy in the hard seasons of motherhood with the Joy In The Journey 40-Day Devotional.

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GET MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW

NEW in our Patreon community this year - daily(ish) devotionals to encourage your faith and family life: Support the show on Patreon today.

Please leave a 5-star review and share the link to this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today!

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DISCLAIMERS

I am a licensed therapist in South Carolina, but this podcast is not therapy. I may use affiliate links and earn a small commission if you purchase through my links. Read my full disclaimers here.

MISSION

Love Your People Well is all about helping you ENJOY family life as you build healthy, happy, and holy family relationships. Keep Jesus at the center of it all and joy at the center of your days.

Find your resources, devotionals, and more support at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com

Boost your marriage intimacy with these great Christian online resources from Sheila Wray Gregoire!

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Today, we’ll focus on the big 3. The top things that I’ve seen over my 10+ years as a marriage therapist to have a big impact on a happy marriage. In fact, these are things you can strengthen all by yourself, and experience great blessing in your marriage!

Ready, friend? Let’s strengthen our marriage relationships today!

hugs & blessings,

Jess

RESOURCES FOR YOU

FREE Conflict Resolution Cheat Sheet

DEVOTIONAL for marriage communication: Communicating To Connect: A 4-Day Devotional For Christian Wives.

Enjoy marriage intimacy more with these great Christian online resources from Sheila Wray Gregoire!

Find all my marriage resources right here: www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/marriage/

LISTEN NEXT: 5 Steps For How To Forgive And Forget In A Christian Marriage (Episode 213)

GET MORE & SUPPORT THE SHOW

NEW in our Patreon community this year - daily(ish) devotionals to encourage your faith and family life: Support the show on Patreon today.

Please leave a 5-star review and share the link to this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today!

FIND EXACTLY THE RESOURCE YOU NEED: Faith | Marriage | Parenting | Emotions | Communication | Home & Family | Freebies | Devotionals | Blog | Pinterest

DISCLAIMERS

I am a licensed therapist in South Carolina, but this podcast is not therapy. I may use affiliate links and earn a small commission if you purchase through my links. Read my full disclaimers here.

MISSION

Love Your People Well is all about helping you ENJOY family life as you build healthy, happy, and holy family relationships. Keep Jesus at the center of it all and joy at the center of your days.

Find your resources, devotionals, and more support at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com