Choosing Between Wisdom and Folly: A Life Decision

Summary

Today’s focus is on the pivotal choice each of us faces: whether to accept the invitation of wisdom or to heed the call of folly. Drawing from Proverbs 9, we see that both wisdom and folly extend their invitations to the same group—the naive, the inexperienced, and those lacking self-control. Wisdom’s invitation is not just a call to knowledge, but to a life shaped by godliness, rooted in the Word of God, and lived out in community and accountability. The house that wisdom builds is both safe and sufficient, designed to nurture and mature those who enter. It is built on the foundation of God’s Word, not on entertainment or subjective experiences, but on sound doctrine and practical application.

The home is the first safe place where wisdom should be cultivated, with parents taking primary responsibility for the spiritual development of their children. The church, too, is meant to be a place of equipping and growth, where the Word is faithfully taught and lived out. True wisdom is not found in the world’s philosophies or in shallow spiritual experiences, but in the consistent, Spirit-led application of God’s truth. Supplemental resources—books, podcasts, and teachings—have their place, but only when they build upon a foundation already laid by Scripture.

Folly, on the other hand, preys on the same vulnerable people, offering what seems sweet but ultimately leads to destruction. The allure of “stolen water” and “secret bread” is deceptive; what begins as pleasure ends in ruin. The difference between wisdom and folly is not just in what is offered, but in the character of the host and the fruit produced in those who accept the invitation. Wisdom leads to life, maturity, and longevity; folly leads to calamity and spiritual death.

Accepting wisdom’s invitation requires humility, a willingness to be taught, and a commitment to ongoing discipleship. No one outgrows the need for instruction or accountability. To reject wisdom is to choose unnecessary suffering and to forfeit the blessings God intends. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the greatest act of wisdom is to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, which reconciles us to God and sets us on the path of true life.

Key Takeaways

- Wisdom and folly both call out to the naive, but their intentions and outcomes are radically different. Wisdom seeks to nurture, protect, and mature, while folly seeks to deceive and destroy. The invitations may sound similar, but the fruit they bear is not. [03:00]

- The house that wisdom builds is both safe and sufficient, grounded in the Word of God and open to all who desire to grow. True spiritual maturity is cultivated in environments where Scripture is faithfully taught and applied, not in places that prioritize entertainment or subjective experiences. [27:33]

- Humility is essential for acquiring wisdom. Arrogance and self-reliance are barriers that keep us from seeking guidance and correction. Even those who are mature in faith must remain teachable and accountable, recognizing that no one ever outgrows the need for discipleship. [36:53]

- The allure of folly is often subtle and appealing, promising sweetness and pleasure but ultimately leading to destruction. Discernment is needed to recognize the character of those who invite us to their table; the fruit of their lives and teaching reveals whether they are aligned with wisdom or folly. [44:44]

- The fear of the Lord is the foundation of all true wisdom, and the wisest decision anyone can make is to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. All other wisdom flows from this relationship, and to reject it is to remain spiritually dead, regardless of worldly success or knowledge. [54:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - Why We’re in Proverbs 9
[04:25] - The Choice: Wisdom’s Invitation or Folly’s
[14:05] - The Home as the First Safe Place
[21:02] - The Church and the Centrality of God’s Word
[27:33] - The Sufficiency and Spaciousness of Wisdom’s House
[29:15] - Supplements vs. the Word
[30:52] - Wisdom’s Banquet: Who’s Invited?
[31:54] - The Call to the Naive and Immature
[34:37] - Lady Folly’s Deceptive Invitation
[36:53] - The Danger of Arrogance and Rejecting Discipleship
[38:46] - Seeking Wisdom Before New Paths
[41:35] - Wisdom’s Boundaries and Self-Control
[43:20] - The Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom
[44:44] - The Deadly Table of Folly
[50:15] - Wisdom’s Benefit Is Personal
[54:19] - Advice for Advisors and the Primacy of the Gospel

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Will You Accept Wisdom’s Invitation?”

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### Bible Reading

- Proverbs 9:1-18 (Main text: Wisdom and Folly’s invitations)
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (The sufficiency of Scripture)
- Matthew 7:15-20 (Recognizing true and false teachers by their fruit)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Proverbs 9, who are the main audiences that both Wisdom and Folly are calling out to? What do their invitations have in common, and how are they different?
2. According to Proverbs 9:1-6, what are some characteristics of the “house” that Wisdom builds?
3. What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 say about the purpose and sufficiency of Scripture for believers?
4. In Matthew 7:15-20, what does Jesus say is the way to recognize false prophets or teachers? What kind of “fruit” is he talking about?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon said that both Wisdom and Folly call out to the naive, the inexperienced, and those lacking self-control. Why do you think both invitations target the same group of people? What does this reveal about spiritual vulnerability? [[03:00]]
2. The “house” that Wisdom builds is described as safe, sufficient, and open to all who desire to grow. What does it look like for a church or a home to be a “house of wisdom” in practical terms? [[27:33]]
3. The sermon emphasized that humility is essential for acquiring wisdom, and that no one outgrows the need for instruction or accountability. Why is humility so important in the pursuit of wisdom? [[36:53]]
4. The allure of Folly is described as subtle and appealing, but ultimately destructive. How can someone discern whether they are being drawn to Folly’s table rather than Wisdom’s? What role does discernment play? [[44:44]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said that the home is the first safe place where wisdom should be cultivated, with parents taking primary responsibility for their children’s spiritual development. If you are a parent, what is one specific way you can take more ownership of your child’s spiritual growth this week? If you’re not a parent, how can you support or encourage families in this area? [[14:05]]
2. The church is meant to be a place where the Word is faithfully taught and lived out. What are some ways you can help make our church a “house of wisdom” rather than a place focused on entertainment or personal comfort? [[21:02]]
3. The sermon warned against relying on “supplements” (books, podcasts, etc.) without first being grounded in Scripture. Are there any spiritual “supplements” you tend to prioritize over the Bible? What would it look like to put Scripture first in your spiritual diet? [[29:15]]
4. Humility and teachability were highlighted as essential for growth. Can you think of a recent time when you resisted correction or advice? What would it look like to respond with humility next time? [[36:53]]
5. The difference between Wisdom and Folly is not just in what is offered, but in the character of the host and the fruit produced. Is there a voice, teacher, or influence in your life that you need to evaluate more carefully based on their “fruit”? How will you do that this week? [[44:44]]
6. The sermon said that accepting Wisdom’s invitation requires ongoing discipleship and accountability. Who is someone in your life that you can invite to speak wisdom or correction into your walk with God? How can you make that relationship more intentional? [[50:15]]
7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the greatest act of wisdom is to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you have already trusted Christ, how can you share this “invitation” with someone else this month? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from accepting it? [[54:19]]

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Devotional

Day 1: The Invitation of Wisdom and Folly: Which Table Will You Choose?
Every day, we are faced with the choice to accept the invitation of wisdom or to heed the call of folly. Both wisdom and folly call out to the naive, the inexperienced, and those lacking self-control, offering a place at their respective tables. Wisdom’s invitation is for our guidance, protection, and development, while folly’s invitation is for our deception and destruction. The path we choose shapes our character and our destiny—wisdom leads to life and maturity, while folly leads to ruin. The question is not whether the invitation is extended, but whether we will humble ourselves to accept it and feast at wisdom’s table. [04:25]

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

Reflection: In what area of your life are you currently at a crossroads, and how can you intentionally seek out and accept wisdom’s invitation rather than defaulting to what feels easiest or most familiar?


Day 2: The Sufficiency and Centrality of God’s Word for Maturity
True spiritual maturity and growth are rooted in the sufficiency of God’s Word. The house that wisdom builds is established on the foundation of Scripture, and it is spacious enough for all who desire to enter and be transformed. No supplement, podcast, or book can replace the nourishment that comes from the living Word of God. When we are grounded in Scripture and in a local church that faithfully teaches it, we are less vulnerable to deception and more equipped to discern truth from error. The Word of God is not just an accessory to our faith—it is the very food that matures us into godliness. [27:33]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Reflection: Are you feeding your soul daily with the Word of God, or are you relying on spiritual “supplements” to fill you? What practical step can you take this week to make Scripture your primary source of wisdom?


Day 3: The Danger of Pride and the Necessity of Humble Accountability
Pride and arrogance are barriers to receiving wisdom. Thinking we have outgrown the need for discipleship or accountability is itself a mark of immaturity. No matter how long we have walked with the Lord, we all need others who can speak truth into our lives, correct us, and help us stay on the path of godliness. Wisdom is not just about seeking advice, but also about complying with it, even when it challenges our desires or ambitions. Humble submission to godly counsel is a safeguard against folly and a mark of true spiritual growth. [36:53]

Proverbs 9:7-9 (ESV)
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; 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.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you allow to hold you accountable and speak hard truths to you? If you don’t have such a person, what is one step you can take to invite godly accountability into your walk?


Day 4: The Fruit of Wisdom: Life, Protection, and Spiritual Growth
Accepting wisdom’s invitation leads to life, protection, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes for us. Walking in wisdom does not mean a life free from hardship, but it does mean avoiding unnecessary calamity and destruction that come from foolish choices. The food at wisdom’s table nourishes us to abandon foolishness and live, while the table of folly, though initially sweet, leads to emptiness and ruin. The choice to pursue wisdom is ultimately for our own benefit—rejecting it brings suffering upon ourselves, but embracing it multiplies our days and deepens our walk with God. [50:15]

Proverbs 9:10-12 (ESV)
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. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

Reflection: What is one area where you have experienced the consequences of ignoring wisdom? How can you choose today to pursue wisdom in that area and trust God for the fruit He promises?


Day 5: The Gospel: The Ultimate Wisdom and Foundation for Life
The foundation of all true wisdom is the fear of the Lord, which begins with surrendering to Jesus Christ. The greatest act of wisdom is to recognize our need for salvation, repent, and believe the gospel. All other wisdom flows from this relationship with God through Christ. Without the gospel, even the best advice or moral living leaves us spiritually dead. The invitation to wisdom is ultimately an invitation to life in Christ, who is the wisdom of God. Embracing the gospel is the first and most essential step in walking the path of wisdom and godliness. [54:19]

1 Corinthians 1:24 (ESV)
But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Reflection: Have you truly accepted the invitation of Christ, the wisdom of God, as the foundation of your life? If not, what is holding you back from surrendering to Him today? If you have, how can you share this ultimate wisdom with someone else this week?

Quotes

If we want to know of wisdom has built the house you go to has that house been built on and established by the Word of God is the Word of God preached it's the Word of God properly handled properly exegeted it's the Word of God lived out in that place a church that is built on wisdom is a church that instructs from the properly interpreted Word of God I don't care about no good music I care about a bomb children's ministry a cafe or whatever else we think makes the church good because everybody got thoughts on what a church should be don't nobody know what the Bible actually say the church should be God actually told us what his church should be and it ain't none of the stuff we check on the box when we say we looking for a church it's everything that entertains us it's everything that makes us comfortable it's everything that makes us feel like we got a good country club that we belong to but that's not what church is it's the church established by sound doctrine and proper exegetical teaching of the Word of God if it's not it's not wisdom's house. [00:18:47] (00:01:10 seconds) Edit Clip

A full belly is satisfied and is not easily open to deception. But a hungry person is willing. Everything tastes good when you're hungry. But when you're full, when you are satisfied, now you're eating with a little bit like, It's a little bitter, a little bitter. I don't know. I'm okay. I'm not. I'm not even hungry. I'm not even hungry. I was just snacking, but I'm good. I ate already. Got a good church, good word, got my devotion in. I'm all right. I was snacking, but I don't want the snack. It's not good. But when you're hungry, you're like, it ain't good, but I'm hungry. [00:29:50] (00:00:35 seconds) Edit Clip

The house that wisdom builds is spacious enough to allow anyone who desires to enter it to have a place at the table. So when we lack wisdom, it's not about there wasn't room for me. It was about there wasn't a desire to go. You didn't get to the door, and there was a line, and they ran out of seats. No, you didn't enter because you didn't desire to. [00:31:34] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

The most arrogant thing I've ever heard a believer say is they don't need discipleship. You're a fool. I said it plainly. That's a foolish thought. Anybody that thinks they've outgrown discipleship needs discipleship. Now, your discipleship will look different because obviously you're in a different life. You're in a different walk. But you ain't never going to outgrow needing someone to instruct you. Period. You ain't Jesus. [00:36:59] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

We all got a lust. We all got something in our flesh that is temptable. And we all are on a journey trying to learn how to be self -controlled. But in the meantime, what wisdom does is it helps put boundaries in our lives to help guide us so that we aren't easily distracted. In other words, if your lust is greed and you're walking straight, wisdom is going to help put a boundary so that the shiny things don't distract you. Right? Your lust will always distract you, but wisdom will always preserve you. [00:42:46] (00:00:39 seconds) Edit Clip

At some point we got to stop being immature at some point we got to grow up and in the growing we keep wisdom around us y 'all know I talk about it all the time man you know I ain't not like a shout out but I hear you know y 'all know that's a Brian from living stones y 'all know I talk about that is my kind of way my number one accountability partner right and I got wisdom I'm walking straight but I got somebody in my life that I can pick up the phone and he'll be like hmm I don't know bro you tripping and he'll tell me I'm tripping in a heartbeat I caught him sometimes mad at my wife he'd be like no I don't know I kind of on Deedee side with this one tank I'm like I ain't calling you put me on my side you my accountability exactly it don't matter how mature you get somebody got to be able to correct you and instruct you. [00:53:21] (00:01:11 seconds) Edit Clip

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of a holy one is understanding all right the reason I don't want to neglect that is because Peter says that a sculfer is someone who has rejected the Lord which means that wisdom for the unbeliever is accepting the wisdom of the gospel and we have to get to a place of acknowledging that while you may want to help a person have good financial advice you don't want to make them financially well while leaving them spiritually dead and so the life that wisdom promises to give is not rooted in just good choices but it's rooted in making the best choice and that begins with placing your faith in Jesus Christ. [00:55:51] (00:00:45 seconds) Edit Clip