The Book of Proverbs provides warnings about fools or foolishness at least sixty times. It mentions the wise or their wisdom about one hundred seventeen times. Often, the verses about the wise directly follow those that speak of fools and their foolishness. They provide a sharp contrast. Notice that there are about twice as many verses about wisdom than foolishness. Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV) says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
The Proverbs, in God’s perfect wisdom, teach us twice as often about the value of wisdom then the folly of fools. My guess is that this is because the Lord is deeply concerned that we learn to make consistently right choices. As I read the Proverbs, I cannot help but be grateful that, while God shows us both sides (foolishness and wisdom), He is more interested in our successes that our foolish failures. If we are paying attention, we too, will be more interested in applying wisdom to our lives than what will snare us into those things into which fools so readily fall.
The message of the proverbs is simple and direct. Wisdom is readily available and the Lord encourages us to get it. We find it in the Scriptures and benefit as it guides us in the blessings of righteous living. The question we need to ask ourselves when we read the Proverbs is whether we are embracing what they offer us in our hearts and minds. As we do, we become Romans 12:2 people.
Romans 12:2 (GWT) says, “Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants–what is good, pleasing, and perfect.” Listen to my paraphrase of Romans 12:2 in light of the teaching of Proverbs. “Do not become like the foolish. Change your thinking. Take great care in what you allow to influence it. When you do, you will give evidence of God’s will by the display of your excellent success.” I’m Dr. Bob. Do the wise thing. Discipline yourself to Proverbs every day. Now, wouldn’t it be foolish not to find the time to do this?