Wisdom vs. Folly

Over a period of several months, I once attempted to witness to a troubled teenaged boy through sharing the gospel of Christ. Our conversations often turned volatile and confrontational. One day, I was kind of surprised when he emailed me with an interesting question.

Before I get to that question, I will share some background information. He had previously claimed that a secular band that he likes often wrote lyrics that were about the Lord. It seems that a friend of his pointed out that some of the lyrics from a song written by this popular local band named "Thrice" appeared to be similar in meaning to Proverbs 9:14-17. He wanted me to compare the lyrics to the Proverb. He also asked me what I thought the lyrics meant.

With so many offensive lyrics in songs out there in the secular music world, I was glad that these lyrics might be seen as having a positive , redeeming value and impact on our youth.

This challenge intrigued me so I got busy reading and studying Proverbs chapter 9 and then shared what I learned from the Scriptures.

Proverbs 9:14-17 "she sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. Let all who are simple come in here.....she says to those who lack judgment; stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious"

I was asked to read these lyrics from Thrice and tell him if there was any comparison.

"and she calls from the doorway "stolen water is so sweet,
so lets drink in the darkness if you know what i mean"
and she calls from the doorway "stolen water is so sweet,
so lets drink in the darkness if you know what i mean"

and I'm almost sure
that I've been here before,
that this is not the first time I've stood in front of this door,
with an overwhelming feeling that i shouldn't go in,
but it seems this is a battle that i never could win.

(Lyrics from Thrice - Deadbolt)

Before discussing the comparison, I would like to share what this portion of Scripture is about. Basically, the entire chapter of Proverbs 9 contains invitations of wisdom and folly (foolishness).

Wisdom and Folly are portrayed as rival young women, each preparing a feast and inviting people to it. But Wisdom is a responsible woman of character, while Folly is a prostitute serving stolen food. Wisdom appeals first to the mind; Folly to the senses. It is easier to excite the senses, but the pleasures of Folly are temporary. By contrast, the satisfaction that wisdom brings lasts forever.

I think that the verse just before Proverbs 9:14 are important in determining the meaning and context. It says, " 13 The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge."

Next, the verse just after Proverbs 9:18 gives better context also. It says, "19 But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave."

After comparing the two, I think these lyrics capture the warning of accepting the invitation from "Folly."

...and you!
my true love!
you call from the hilltop.
you call through the streets,
"Darling don't you know,the water is poison."

I would equate this portion of the lyrics with Proverbs 8. Here, Wisdom's call is contrasted to the call of the adulteress in chapter 7. Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who guides us (8:1-13) and makes us succeed (8:14-21).

God approves of those who listen to wisdom's counsel (8:32-35). Those who hate wisdom love death (8:36). Wisdom should affect every aspect of our entire life, from beginning to end.

I think that these lyrics might be encouraging us to open all corners of our lives to God's direction and guidance...through Wisdom. The last portion (Darling etc.) appears to be a warning to avoid 'poison' water (sin?) that leads to death. Just my opinion though.

...and i say!"come on and give me my poison."

Sounds like we could perceive the person giving in to temptation.

In contrast, it could possibly be interpreted in a different way. It could be seen as Wisdom asking Folly to turn from sin and give Him (God) the 'poison' of that sin so that Folly can turn to Wisdom and live.

The teen was wondering if I could tell him what message the song is trying to send or if this is just a concidence.

I told him that I will share the message it sends to me, but I also surmised that he probably would not agree with my evaluation.

There is something hypnotic and intoxicating about wickedness. One sin leads us to want more; sinful behavior seems more exciting than the Christian life. That is why many people put aside all thought of Wisdom's sumptuous banquet (Proverbs 9:1-5) in order to eat the stolen food of Folly.

Proverbs is telling us not to be deceived - sin is dangerous. Before reaching for forbidden fruit (so to speak), one needs to take a long look at what happens to those who eat it.

I then shared the purpose of Proverbs and also a chart that I had found in my Bible.

The purpose of the book of Proverbs is to teach people how to attain wisdom and discipline and a prudent life, and how to do what is right and just and fair - in short, to apply divine wisdom to daily life and to provide moral instruction.

Proverbs often compares the lifestyles of the wicked and the righteous, and makes a strong case for living by God's pattern. The advantages of righteous living and the disadvantages of wicked living are pointed out. The kind of person we decide to be will affect every area of our lives.

Here's the chart

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OUTLOOK ON LIFE:

Righteous -

Hopeful
Concerned about the welfare of God's creation
Understand justice

Wicked -
Fearful
Even their kindness is cruel
Don't understand justice

References: Proverbs 10:24; 12:10; 28:5

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RESPONSE TO LIFE:

Righteous -

Covered with blessings
Give thought to their ways
Persevere against evil

Wicked -

Covered with violence
Bent on evil
Put up a bold front
Brought down by calamity
Hate those with integrity

References: Proverbs 10:6; 16:30; 21:29; 24:15,16; 29:10

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HOW THEY ARE SEEN BY OTHERS:

Righteous -

Are appreciated
Conduct is upright
Are not to desire the company of godless people
Others are glad when they triumph
Care for the poor
Detest the dishonest

Wicked -

Do not endure
Lead others into sin
Conduct is devious
Plot violence
Others hide when they rise to power
Unconcerned about the poor
Detest the upright

References: Proverbs 13:15; 16:29; 21:8; 24:1,2; 28:12; 29:7; 29:27

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QUALITY OF LIFE:

Righteous -

Stand firm
Delivered by righteousness
No real harm befalls them
Income results in treasure
Avoid evil
Are bold as lions
Will be safe

Wicked -

Constant trouble befalls them
Income results in trouble
Fall into constant trouble
Are fearful constantly
Will suddenly fall

References: Proverbs 10:25; 11:6; 12:21; 15:6; 16:17; 17:20; 28:1; 28:18
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SHORT-TERM RESULTS:

Righteous -

Walk securely
Rewarded with prosperity

Wicked -

Will be found out
Pursued by misfortune

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LONG-TERM RESULTS:

Righteous -

God protects them

Wicked -

God destroys them
Will be punished for rebellion

References: Proverbs 10:29; 17:11
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ETERNAL EXPECTATIONS:

Righteous -

Never uprooted
Earn a sure reward
End only in good
Will stand firm
Have a refuge when they die

Wicked -

Earn deceptive wages
Go to death
End only in wrath
Will be overthrown
Will be brought down by calamity

References: Proverbs 10:30; 11:18; 11:19; 11:23; 12:7; 14:32

GOD'S OPINION OF THEM:

Righteous -

Delights in the good
Evil people will bow to them

Wicked -

Detests the perverse
They will bow to the righteous

References: Proverbs 11:20; 14:19

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Remember. When you read the chart it is pointing out the advantages of being righteous and the disadvantages of being wicked. Since we all sin, every one of us will probably be subjected to some of the problems associated with wickedness. In the Biblical Christian viewpoint, it is only those 'covered' by the righteousness of Jesus Christ who will not suffer the eternal consequences of dying in wickedness (sin). We may (and often do) experience the physical consequences of the sins committed, but God's promises through our Savior, Jesus Christ, guarantees that believers will not suffer the eternal consequences of sin.