Proverbs 13-15 Fools Love Their Folly

July 17th, Proverbs 13-15

       These are chapters that should all be read...over and over again. The verses that strike me might not be the verses that strike you. I hate the idea that you might read this blog and then not read God's word. There is so much compacted into such a small space. Different verses might stir the Holy Spirit to take you to another truth today, but for me...
       A theme that I am on track with is the whole idea of listening to instruction. "Poverty and disgrace comes to him who ignores instruction, whoever heeds reproof is honored." Why do we have such a hard time with choosing a new way as a result of the wisdom of others?
       "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm." Years of observation says this... we have a tendency to choose people like us to hang out with and identify with. Emotionally, spiritually unhealthy people are uncomfortable around emotionally, spiritually healthy people. At some point we have to move out of our comfort level, hang out with people who could help us move to a new place. Spend time with a perfectly healthy God who could bring us to a new place.
       "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end is the way of death." We can round up a whole crew of people who are fools with us and people do all the time. How can you and I surround ourselves with good counsel AND follow it. Walk a new way that is better than one of our old ways.
       "Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed." "Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom..."
       In a day when people should be doing a better job of sorting out the trash from the treasure in regards to their belongings, it also is a priority to do some sorting between wisdom and folly. Fools have a great joy in their lack of sense!! Funny, true, unfortunate thought for the morning. Let's chose the wise way.