The Quiet Evidence of Wisdom

The first 9 chapters of Proverbs repeatedly draws a distinction between wisdom and folly. And in this 9th chapter, we see the difference in an interesting way. Consider first what wisdom does:

Proverbs 9:1–6 (ESV) Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. 2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, 5 “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

Wisdom is marked by industry first and invitation second. Wisdom is prepared for guests and to give instruction. Wisdom is not interested in making a brash announcement. She invites us to what she has prepared for us. 

Folly is marked by very different realities.

Proverbs 9:13–18 (ESV) The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. 14 She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, 15 calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, 16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, 17 “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” 18 But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Instead of building her house, folly is outside it, luring others in with brash invitation. Notice that both wisdom and folly call to the simple. For there really is no one else to invite into their ways but the end result of both is vastly different. 

In between these two very different portraits is another contrast - that of a scoffer and a wise man. 

Proverbs 9:8–10 (ESV) Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

The difference between those who follow wisdom and those who follow folly is simple: One is ready to let their best ideas be reproved. The scoffer hates correct and the wise gain from it. 

The wise man is ready to build, the scoffer is ready to boast. The great picture here of wisdom for those who lack it simple: Be quiet, mind your business and learn - for those are the marks of wisdom herself.