Proverbs 9:13-18 

¹³Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. ¹⁴She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, ¹⁵calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, ¹⁶“Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, ¹⁷“Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” ¹⁸But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.

Graffiti

How do you personally react to graffiti? Of course, graffiti artists will surely appreciate any kind of graffiti. Yet, when graffiti is created on private properties without consent from the owner, it can spark confusion and negative reaction. Maybe, vandals cannot help but to express their instinct unmindfully; it could be their rebellious way to disregard anything legal or proper, if that is their intention.

Peace and order is desirable, but bad elements of darkness can’t subscribe to it. Instinctively, they choose to follow their wicked nature. We need the light of Christ to shine in this world. He declares in John 8:12, ¹²I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Most of us, if not all of us, have dark secrets. Do you accept it? Somewhere in our brain, there is youthful naughtiness. But when Christ came into our life, his light shines in our mind so that we desire to follow him and behave accordingly.

Behavior according to the teaching our Lord Jesus Christ serves as practical proof of transformation. Anyone who follows the straight path of Christ can be tempted to try foolishness, somehow. And, we have to be aware of that always.

1.  Straight

¹³Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. ¹⁴She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,  ¹⁵calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, 

Both wisdom and foolishness are biblically compared to a woman, why? Is it because of productivity of women? Truly, both wisdom and foolishness can be productive but with different results though. Wisdom produces favorable results.

Foolishness is compared to unruly wild woman who does things that could be detrimental and harmful. Foolishness does not hide from anyone else; she also lets anyone knows where she can be located. Everyone is able to see and hear her voice. She invites anyone who listens and attracted to her voice. We may follow the straight path of Christ and behave properly but we can’t be totally exempted.

Apostle Paul warned it in Ephesians 6:12, ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

This struggle against spiritual forces of evil can happen anytime until Christ returns and takes us into heaven; our humanity will still struggle with attractive temptation of practicality, power, popularity or prosperity which can also become cause of fractured relationship, even among relatives, siblings or friends.

Sibling Rivalry

We cannot over emphasize tragic stories of siblings who quarrel about their inheritance from their parents. It is reality and commonly observed that there are siblings who just cannot harmoniously agree when inheritance is at stake. This is when Last Will and Testament becomes a necessary legal document to preclude dispute, confusion and to settle differences among siblings. Among Christians, sibling rivalry is also a reality that should not be taken for granted. 

When one sibling tries to intimidate other siblings, what is your instinctive reaction? Would you be passive? When foolish stupidity tries to entice us, we can be prepared if we clothe ourselves in Christ always. He helps us behave according to his will and not according to foolish stupidity. Let’s reflect on Philippians 4:6: ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Anywhere, there are individuals who secretly do foolish stupidity. They may secretly device schemes to promote harmful agenda. We should not be anxious about them. We should be prayerful always instead. By faith, we believe that our Lord Jesus Christ knows all secrets; he can use even secrets for our favor.

2.  Secret

¹⁶“Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, ¹⁷“Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” ¹⁸But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.

It had been published on social media that brazen individuals steal goods from grocery stores and other establishments; they are not embarrassed at all. Maybe, they presume that mask and disguise may hide their identity. But still, there are thieves who steal without any mask; they even destroy and kill. Why?

Why do thieves steal even at broad daylight? Is it because the law is very soft on them? Have you ever come face to face with thieves at grocery stores?

Shoes

At one time at a shoe department, we saw a pair of old rugged shoes mixed with brand new shoes. Certainly, store clerks did not put those old rugged shoes there on purpose. What do you think? A customer won’t leave those old rugged shoes then go out with bare foot, will he? He may have worn a new pair of shoes and left behind his old shoe. If he paid for the new shoes, he is not a thief.

Normally, good customers do not leave their old shoes in the store.

Police officers and even many store owners warn customers to avoid thieves and not confront them. You don’t know if they have deadly weapons.

The Lord Jesus declared in John 10:10-11, ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ¹¹I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Christ declares that thieves will steal, and they are also ready to kill and destroy when they are confronted. If you’re not trained to confront thieves, it is better to be prayerful than to put yourself in dangerous situation. Christ promises life in its fullness; when we face situation that may confuse us, he provides right decision. We’ve to be prayerful always. Stupidity can victimize anyone anywhere.

Sometimes, we may sense patriotic responsibility to do favorable things to everyone. What should we consider? Should we do anything just to be patriotic? Or, should we do good things because the Holy Spirit had prompted us?

As Christian, if you really want to be a hero, pray for heroic participation that may advance the kingdom of God on earth rather than just heroic concern that have no eternal significance. Promote godly purposes rather than politically motivated interests. Christ is coming sooner. We have to be very concerned of our eternal dwelling. Let’s reflect on what it warned us in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14,

¹³Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. ¹⁴For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

The god-given duty of mankind to obey God is his best design for great life.

Keep praying for increase of faith, godly wisdom and inspiration of the Holy Spirit so that in everything we do, privately or publicly, we also store up eternal treasures for ourselves in heaven. Be more serious about storing up eternal treasures for yourselves in heaven. Don’t be complacent with that.

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