In the book of Proverbs, Wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to the young and the naïve people in the streets. She reaches out her hands [...]]]>

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. – James 3:13

In the book of Proverbs, Wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to the young and the naïve people in the streets. She reaches out her hands to people in the marketplace and shouts in the town square. Unfortunately, her voice is often drowned out by the shrill cries of Folly. Folly also calls to the young and the naïve, enticing them to take up the ways of violence and licentiousness. Proverbs 1:20-24

For millennia, the marketplace was a place to trade goods, services and sometimes-even ideas. It was a place where all of society gathered to discuss religion, rumors, politics and philosophy. It was a place where a young man might first be tempted to travel the path of the wicked. It was a place where a young woman might be enticed to walk in the ways of darkness for the first time. It was the place where young people started on the road to either wisdom or folly, depending on which voice they heeded.

Today, two women shouting in the street would cause a disturbance in some towns, and hardly be noticed in others. These women are still competing for the youthful ear, though. They now use modern means to reach their audience. The twenty-first century marketplace is really not much different from the ones of centuries past. It takes many forms: television and radio, Starbuck’s and Wal-Mart, bookstores and mega malls; and, of course, the Internet. The voices are still there too. Calling to all.

It seems that many Americans today, especially young people, like to hear and heed words that are pleasant. They listen to the words that promise comfort at no cost, satisfaction without action and riches at the expense of others. It doesn’t seem to matter whether these words are lies or the truth, wisdom or folly.

The person who has wisdom recognizes these words for what they are. He is able to discern between lies and truth. He chooses truth, even when it is unpleasant, over lies, even when they are comforting.

Wisdom does not always use easy words. Wisdom sometimes sounds harsh and unmerciful. She doesn’t entice, she warns and counsels. She promises death and destruction to those who don’t obey, but promises a secure life, safe from the fear of evil to those who heed her warnings. Proverbs 1:32-33

Rudyard Kipling knew of this interplay between the voices of wisdom and folly as well. His poem, The Gods of the Copybook Headings is one of my favorite pieces of literature. If you have never read it, or if it has been a while since you have, you may find it here.  His commentary is as applicable to our own time as it was to his almost one hundred years ago.

So how is a young woman to choose between wisdom and folly when Wisdom promises a life of secure hard work and Folly promises instant beauty, fame and riches? How can a young man be expected to choose the rough path of Wisdom when Folly promises him an easy road to sexual satisfaction, power and wealth? I find the answer to these questions in the book of Proverbs.

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction

And do not forsake your mother’s teaching

– Proverbs 1:8

Make your ear attentive to wisdom,

Incline your heart to understanding

– Proverbs 2:2

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

– Proverbs 3:3-4

Wisdom is knowing that what you believe is right. It is making decisions and taking action based upon your beliefs. It is honestly examining the results of your actions and determining if you made the right choice or not. It is learning from your mistakes and changing your beliefs if necessary. It takes the form of admitting to yourself and others when you are wrong. It also takes the form of knowing that you were right and being an example to others.