Why is it that as soon as we are told we can't do something, that's what we set our mind on accomplishing? I'm not just referencing an act of disobedience, but even a task that someone says is beyond our ability, immediately we feel a defiance rise up within us and we want to prove them wrong. In our natural self we often have a proclivity towards opposing what is best for what feels good. Some of this tenacity can be profitable as it pushes us to greatness, but without good judgment it can also lead to great disaster.
Throughout the book of Proverbs, with its cast of many characters, two are lead players; wisdom and folly. Both call to us from the streets and we must exercise discernment in identifying each voice and knowing who to follow. We may think it should be obvious, but folly can be subtle. Wisdom leads a disciplined life, but folly leads to danger. When presented with choices, as Christ-followers we need to consider our options and come to not only a sensible conclusion, but one that walks in step with scripture after seeking God's will.
Two red flags stand out to me in the verses shared above: stolen and secret. Just speaking those words sounds devious and disobedient. Miss Folly actually identifies the deeds themselves using wisdom, truthfully portraying the acts accurately. She in honesty describes the activity as that of a thief, needing to be concealed and strictly confidential. Both are involving hidden and forbidden, yet she lures with excitement and enticement. She herself recognizes that only those who lack sound judgment and who are gullible, will respond to her call. Her invitation is embraced by the foolish, the senseless and those without understanding.
Without wisdom, we cannot perceive the future and avoid the pain. We run towards what feels good in the moment, dismissing the harm and consequence. It's not that we are always unaware of the impact of chasing after folly's call, but in that moment of decision we just want the enjoyment of it too deeply.
I know this passage is specifically dealing with the vulnerability that accompanies seduction and becoming captive to the power of lust in sensual pleasure, but it can apply to any forbidden fruit and shameful hiding. Think back to Genesis. Nothing has truly changed. As wisdom is often personified as the voice of God, folly found its first voice through a serpent. Under the misguided guise of truth, the enemy brought deception. You see, in order to deceive you have to first know right from wrong so that you can present falsehood in a way that makes it desirous. It really takes great skill to seduce and flatter in a way that it is received and not rejected. That is why, the only way to counter the attraction of temptation is through divine counsel and the power of the Holy Spirit.
"Refreshing" and "best" quickly turns to destruction and death once pursued. As folly laughs at those she conquers, wisdom cries and waits, knowing the outcome could have been avoided. Yet, despite all of folly's cleaver schemes, she forgets one thing; the current consequence doesn't have to be the end. Yes, sin has unpleasant outcomes, some that last a lifetime, but it doesn't have to impact all eternity. For all who have followed the pathway of sin for a season, there is a Redeemer. The next choice doesn't have to echo all the previous ones. Don't forget, wisdom is also still calling from the street and longs for your next move to reflect change.
There's still time. Whose voice will you listen to today?
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