All throughout the book of Proverbs there are two opposing forces in pursuit of man. I’ve heard her called Madam Folly and Dame Wisdom. Although these sound more like the adulterous in pursuit of a man and the advice to steer clear from such sullied pursuits. It has everything to do with life and death and the choice between the two that is presented for every man and woman born into this world.
This strange concept jumped out at me from Proverbs 2, I was reading along and all seemed well and good. The pursuit of wisdom brings security. The “If – Then’s” of the proverb were making all the sense in the world…If you receive my words, if you treasure my commands, if you apply your heart to understanding, if you cry for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek wisdom as you would silver, as a hidden treasure….then you will understand the fear of the Lord and you find the knowledge of God. These things will deliver you from the way of evil…from crooked paths…watch out…Then all of a sudden, verse 16: To deliver you from the strange woman, from the adulteress who flatter’s with her words…
Where did this come from and what does it have to do with me, a woman who is neither an adulterer or a flatterer, but a woman who can just as easily fall into the trap that Madam Folly has set.
Madam Folly and Dame wisdom have been pursuing us all from the beginning urging us to follow them. They pursue us the same, but their message and methods differ greatly:
Madam folly tells us what we want to hear.
Dame Wisdom tells us what we need to hear!
There is no decision in life more important then whom we choose to follow. There are but two paths. Life or death, Jesus or Satan, the way of the fool or the way of wisdom and faith.
I have chosen trusting in God and keeping His word. This is the way that not only saves you eternally but brings blessing. It is the way that you cease trusting in yourself and trust only in Jesus Christ for eternal life. The way of wisdom requires discipline and self-denial. But it brings peace and security and everlasting life.
The other way is a lane of violence and greed. It is a tempting road to take because it is easy and full of desires. They lead to temptation and sin and immorality. The way of folly begins with the rejection of God and a refusal to ‘fear the lord’. Satan allows men to be very creative in the way they go to hell. He does not care how you live, so long as you live trusting in yourself, rather than God, following your own way, rather than the narrow way of wisdom.
When wisdom has dominion over us, it fills our head and overflows our heart. It preserves against corruptions and temptation.
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
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