Lady Wisdom Verses Madame Folly

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1-7

What is the stupidest thing you have ever done?

Ok, I am not going to tell you mine either, I get it. We have all done things we later look back upon and ask ourselves, “What was I thinking?” So, whether it was the decision to cut your own bangs or a foolish choice that brought about more tears than a bad haircut, we have all made mistakes we are not proud of.

I have been studying the book of Proverbs this week and realized how much I appreciate the practical, everyday wisdom this book offers. It is in this book where I met two women, Lady Wisdom and Madame Folly. The personification of both wisdom and folly as two different women present the benefits of wisdom and the problems with folly.

Six Attributes of Wisdom

In my recent class on Old Testament Theology, our instructor, Brittany Kim Ph.D., shared six attributes of wisdom with us. I would love to share what I learned with you; I think it would be wise.

Wisdom is practical. – I think this is my favorite attribute of wisdom. How often do we make things more complicated than they need to be? Here we find simple instructions regarding our work, money, and family. Simple instructions like do not loan out money, help the poor, save for the future.

Wisdom is universal. – Although written many years ago, these nuggets of wisdom apply to everyone, of any background, any decent, living at any time.

Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. –  Wisdom starts with getting to know God. But it is not enough to know the facts; we must respect His power and cultivate a relationship with Him. If you really want to be wise, get to know God better.

Wisdom is ethical. – Wisdom is concerned with doing what is right, just, and fair. However, it often focuses on issues that are hard to legislate. Wisdom addresses the inner motives of the heart.

Wisdom is part of the community. – Wisdom seeks out what is best for the community as a whole, not just the individual. A wise person listens to wise counsel. And who you hang out with rubs off on you.

Wisdom is concerned with order. – The advice given in the book of Proverbs gives order to our individual lives, our community, the larger public sphere, and in the created world as a whole.

Biblical Wisdom: Understanding and living in accordance with Yahweh’s will and design for humanity, which is, to some extent, written into the fabric of the created world. – Brittany Kim Ph.D.

Madame Folly

In Proverbs 7, we learn more about Madame Folly, and in Chapter 9, we find a comparison of the two women.

He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Proverbs 7:8-9

Madame Folly is manipulative and can disguise herself well. I have often found her to appear smart and easy to follow. We must know and understand the difference between folly and wisdom because the path of folly always leads to death.

How to recognize Madame Folly. She is….

• Well dressed
• A go-getter
• Never misses a party
• Bold
• Inviting
• A smooth talker
• Craves instant gratification

Do you think perhaps you have run into Madame Folly a time or two? One of my favorite books is The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis. In this book, we see how Satan uses common, everyday things to distract us from God. In one scene, he uses a lady with a big hat to distract the man from paying attention to the church’s sermon. Do not be fooled. Madame Folly will use anything to get you to notice her and follow her around the corner to the place of deceit and ultimately death.

Lady Wisdom

The thing I notice most about Lady Wisdom is that she feels like someone I want to cling to. She is the friend I run to when life feels chaotic. She is welcoming and understanding. Unlike Madame Folly, who leaves you with feelings of regret after you spend time with her, Lady Wisdom confirms who you are, makes you feel purposeful, and is generous in sharing her good bounty.

How to recognize Lady Wisdom. She…

• Loves her family and puts their interest above her own
  • Stands up for what is right and boldly calls others to a higher standard
  • Responds to criticism with a heart to learn
  • Wants you to succeed
  • Was present at the creation of the world and worked with the Creator
  • Follows and obeys God

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? Proverbs 8:1

Who do you choose?

Lady Wisdom is not wise by random chance. She is wise because she intentionally chose the path of wisdom. She chooses God. Just like these two hypothetical women, we have a choice to make too. We can either follow Madame Folly around the corner to destruction, or we can sit with Lady Wisdom over a cup of coffee and listen to God’s Word and obey His truths. Who do you choose to follow today?

Heavenly Father, I do not want to be fooled into doing something that will bring destruction to my life. Help me, Lord, to recognize Madame Folly for who she is, a deceiver. I commit myself to learn more about you by studying your Word and following your instructions. I want to sit with Lady Wisdom and cling to the truths of your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.