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DANGEROUS: This Woman Is Deadly!
Discern the difference. (Wisdom) There is a battle for your soul and two voices crying out saying, "come to me."
Mike Brewer
March 08, 2025
Wisdom vs. Folly: The Battle for Your Soul
š”ļø Who is wise and understanding among you? This question from James 3:13 sets the stage for a battle we all face. Proverbs paints this contrast vividly through two womenāWisdom and Follyāeach calling out, each offering a way of life.
One leads to strength and stability. The other to ruin.
Which voice are you following?
The Call of Wisdom: A Life-Giving Invitation
Wisdom stands as a noble and steadfast woman, offering life and nourishment to those who listen. Her call is one of insight and security:
āWisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, āWhoever is simple, let him turn in here!ā To him who lacks sense she says, āCome, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.āā
ā Proverbs 9:1-6 (ESV)
Wisdom is an active builder. She prepares a feastātruth that strengthens the soul. Her house, built on seven pillars, symbolizes divine completeness and stability.
James affirms this:
āWho is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.ā
ā James 3:13 (ESV)
True wisdom isnāt just knowledgeāitās displayed in humble, righteous living. To follow Wisdom is to walk in Godās way, growing in understanding and divine favor.
The foundation of this path is clear:
āThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.ā
ā Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)
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The Call of Folly: Seductive Yet Deadly
In sharp contrast, Folly is loud and enticing but empty. She offers nothing but deception:
āThe woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, āWhoever is simple, let him turn in here!ā And to him who lacks sense she says, āStolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.ā But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.ā
ā Proverbs 9:13-18 (ESV)
Unlike Wisdom, who actively builds, Folly sits idle, offering stolen pleasures and empty promises. She preys on the simple, luring them into paths that end in destruction.
James gives a sobering warning about the kind of wisdom that does not come from God:
āBut if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.ā
ā James 3:14-15 (ESV)
Follyās voice is easy to follow because it appeals to our fleshājealousy, selfish ambition, and short-term gratification. But these paths are deadly.
Wisdom vs. Folly: The Choice is Yours
Wisdom | Folly |
|---|---|
Builds her house with stability (Prov. 9:1) | Sits at her door, doing nothing (Prov. 9:14) |
Prepares a feast of life (Prov. 9:2-5) | Offers stolen, secret food (Prov. 9:17) |
Calls people to insight and understanding (Prov. 9:6,10) | Calls people to ignorance and foolishness (Prov. 9:13) |
Leads to life and blessing (Prov. 9:6) | Leads to death and Sheol (Prov. 9:18) |
The contrast is clear: Wisdom leads to life, peace, and security. Folly leads to destruction.
James describes the fruit of true wisdom:
āBut the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.ā
ā James 3:17-18 (ESV)
This is what true wisdom looks likeāit produces peace, righteousness, and good fruit. It is active, humble, and sincere.
The Narrow Gate: Walking in Wisdom
Jesus reinforced this choice when He spoke of the two paths:
āEnter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.ā
ā Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)
Wisdomās path isnāt the easy road. It requires humility, a reverent fear of the Lord, and a willingness to walk in obedience. But Follyās way? Itās smooth, seductive, and dangerous.
So the question is simple: Which voice will you follow?
š Pray for wisdom today. Ask God to guide you in His ways, to give you discernment to reject folly and choose the path that leads to life.
š” How is God calling you to walk in wisdom this week? Reply and share your thoughts!
š Want to go deeper in wisdom and spiritual warfare? Join the conversation inside The Equipping Community āa space for Holy Spirit-led change-makers growing in wisdom and authority.
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