Happy return from the long weekend.
As I noted last week, I am beginning a journey through Proverbs. Very prominent to the first part of Proverbs is the wise teacher's instruction to his son about spending time with the right woman. On the surface, the words function as a very straightforward admonition to be faithful to one's spouse and to flee from the temptation of adultery. This advice alone would be incredibly worthwhile, especially for our own day and age. The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. The temptation is alluring, but it leads to death, as the picture above has attempted to capture.
The teacher, I believe, is going a step deeper, though. These two women - the faithful wife and the adulterous temptress - become pictures for the greater realities of wisdom and folly. Wisdom (which begins with the fear of the Lord, as we discussed last week) is faithful. The world might paint it as being "boring" or "unadventurous," but it will lead you exactly where God wants you to be. Wisdom remains true, and the one who walks in wisdom doesn't have to worry about when the rug will be pulled out from underneath them. Wisdom actually delivers what it promises, in contrast to folly, which specializes in big promises and little returns.
As a redeemed child of God washed in the waters of baptism, we are called to embrace and hold fast to wisdom. In fact, the Church historically has seen Wisdom personified in Proverbs as a picture of Christ. As a child of God making your next decision today, take some time to ask, "What is the wise thing for me to do in this circumstance?" Don't take a stroll past Dame Folly's house - stick close to Wisdom, and she will be a faithful companion always.
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