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STUDY 178

Text: Proverbs 17
21 November 2004

Dear Parents,

THE PROBLEM OF FOOLISHNESS
Foolishness is another topic that keeps coming up in the Book of Proverbs. Let us ponder the following texts.

Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his folly.

Proverbs 17:12

Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,
Since he has no heart for it?

Proverbs 17:16

A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,
And becomes surety for his friend.

Proverbs 17:18

THE HEIGHT OF FOOLISHNESS
Let us consider one of the problems that a fool would create for himself. The foolish man is not likely to be able to discern a true friend from a false one. The true friend would never take advantage of anyone, certainly not a fool.

However, the evil man would take advantage of anyone, especially the fool! He would pose as a friend. He would ask for financial help in the name of a friend. The foolish man stands surety for his “friend” and discovers too late that he has been cheated! In severe cases, the foolish man can lose everything he has!

FOLLY TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COST!
What an intriguing text we have here! If one were to meet a bear bereft of her cubs, one would face GREAT danger. Few things are more dangerous!

Yet, if one meets “a fool in his folly”, the Biblical writer suggests that that situation is even more deplorable! He does not elaborate as to why he drew the comparison. He seeks only to highlight the danger of entertaining folly!

FOOLS ATTEMPT TO PROMOTE (SELL) WISDOM!
Would fools attempt to look good and wise to others? YES! Would fools attempt to promote their brand of wisdom? Unfortunately, the answer is YES too!

But what wisdom can fools offer, asks the Biblical writer? The fool has no heart to search for wisdom. How could he offer to sell wisdom at any price?

THE QUEST FOR WISDOM

Wisdom is not easily found! There are many out there in the world purporting to sell wisdom! May we guard our children from such vendors of “cheap wisdom.” True wisdom is to be found in the Word of God!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie