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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 64

STUDY 64

Text: Proverbs 9:13-18
13 September 2002

Dear Parents,

THE HOUSE OF FOLLY
The writer also drew a picture describing the House of Folly, so that he could offer a contrast between Wisdom and Folly. Whereas Wisdom is described as living in a beautiful home with “seven pillars” (Proverbs 9:1), Folly’s house is so simple and nondescript, that there is no attempt to describe her house at all. We read,

A foolish woman is clamorous;
She is simple, and knows nothing.
For she sits at the door of her house,
On a seat by the highest places of the city.

Proverbs 9:13-14

The House of Folly cannot be compared in any way to the House of Wisdom!

THE INVITATION TO VISIT THE HOUSE OF FOLLY
Folly is also described as sending out invitations to people to go to her house for her party.

To call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way;
‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here’;
And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
‘Stolen water is sweet,
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.’
But he does not know that the dead are there,
That her guests are in the depths of hell.

Proverbs 9:16-18

Folly tries to imitate Wisdom. It is too foolish to do anything except to attempt imitation. Her table is not furnished at all. She tells her guests,

Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

Proverbs 9:17

That’s the best she can offer. Her counsel is to find pleasure in doing something wrong. Would she have any guests? Unfortunately, “Yes!” And who are her guests?

Her guests are in the depths of hell.

Proverbs 9:18

MAKING THE MOST IMPORTANT CHOICE OF A LIFETIME
How important it is that we see the difference between the House of Wisdom and the House of Folly. The contrast is stark and revealing! How we must choose wisely. Everything depends on how we choose and what we choose! How would you choose?

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.

Proverbs 9:12

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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