The Standard August 12, 2023
In the Old Testament books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon we find an abundance of Hebrew poetry. Together they make up what is called “Wisdom Literature” and emphasize the importance of attaining wisdom in all areas of life. Proverbs is filled with incredibly practical, pithy statements which repeat themes like honoring God, living righteously, helping the poor, being a good friend, gaining knowledge, accepting wise counsel, being a good son or daughter, thinking before we speak, heeding correction, inviting discipline, working hard and being humble.
“The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 10:8-10)
“The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” (Proverbs 10:14) “Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.” (Proverbs 10:18) “A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:23)
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” (Proverbs 12:15-16) “The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.” (Proverbs 12:23) “All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.” (Proverbs 13:16) “A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:19-20) “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways. A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.” (Proverbs 14:1-3) “Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.” (Proverbs 14: 7-9) “The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated. The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” (Proverbs 14: 16-18) “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” (Proverbs 15: 2) “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.” (Proverbs 15: 5-7)
As does the author of Proverbs, Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount paints a picture of being wise versus being foolish. “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise person who built their house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24) “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish person who built their house on sand.” (Matthew 7:26)
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