This chapter reminds us of the “ways of Wisdom” and “ways of Folly”.
“Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. …reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.” (v7-11 abr)
‘The wise seek Wisdom, and the foolish seek Folly’ is essentially the theme here. Those who are wise invite correction to become more wise, while those who are foolish abhor correction and wisdom (which makes them more foolish).
I’m sure there are exceptions where the foolish can gain wisdom (this is me) and the wise can become more foolish (this is also me), though it seems there are definite tendencies within us that cause us to lean one way or the other.
The thing is, we have a choice in this matter – we can seek to amass wisdom, becoming a more effective instrument for God’s Kingdom, or shun the Lord’s teaching and become an instrument of the world. We have to ask ourselves which we prefer, and then pursue that path.
Fortunately, God promises we can seek Him and wisdom and receive it: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Pro 1:7) “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (Jas 1:5)
I encourage us to fear the Lord, and ask Him for wisdom. To earnestly seek Him and His teaching will eventually result in the wisdom and learning we desire – He will not withhold that which He wants us to have (though we may need to work for it).
Father God, our Glorious and Magnificent Lord, You are the source of all wisdom. We praise You for desiring to bless us with all of the wisdom we need, and ask You to help us pursue that. We humbly ask You to teach us, so we may grow closer to You, become more wise, and be good examples for those around us. In the name of Jesus, who sought and displayed Your wisdom so perfectly, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training