The wisdom of Proverbs counsels us not to walk after the people who lack wisdom.
My child, do not walk in their way;
keep your foot from their paths. (Proverbs 1.15)
The Hebrew meaning of “to walk” has three elements.
Character
Conduct
Consequences
Jesus recognized the part that character plays with conduct when he told the disciples, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles” (Matthew 15:18).
Even though this instance had a negative connotation, there were other times – such as the one with the Centurion (Matthew 8.5-13) – where the person’s character was applauded by Jesus.
This was evident in both what they said and what they did.
Character produces conduct, and conduct results in consequences. Paul noted this truth in his letter to the Galatians.
Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.
If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit (Galatians 6.7-8).
In the context of the Book of Proverbs, we can say that the flesh follows the direction of the unwise, while the Spirit follows God’s wisdom.
Behavior of Fools
The Biblical understanding of a fool is someone who believes there will be no accountability for their behavior.
In other words, their character and conduct may be bad, but they believe there will be no consequences for the way they live their lives.
The fool who believes there are no consequences for their behavior runs quickly to do evil. They don’t know that they’re falling into the trap of the consequences of their behavior.
For their feet run to evil,
and they hurry to shed blood.
For in vain is the net baited
while the bird is looking on;
Yet they lie in wait—to kill themselves!
and set an ambush—for their own lives! (Proverbs 1.16-18)
One of my friends, discussing his lifelong addiction, said to me, “When I started, I thought I was going to a party, but I really ended up in hell.”
My friend illustrates the plight of many people who believe they are pursuing something they want without any consequences. Instead, they end up experiencing the results of bad choices.
Greedy for Gain
Solomon summarizes the consequences of following the behavior of fools, rather than accepting the wisdom of the wise.
Such is the end of all who are greedy for gain;
it takes away the life of its possessors. (Proverbs 1.19)
What sort of trap do the greedy fall into?
In the first church I served, one of my deacons worked as a shop foreman for one of the wealthiest men in our community. One day, the owner of the company came to my deacon and said, “I’d like to trade places with you.”
He had amassed great wealth but at a tremendous cost.
It is not only the very wealthy fall into the trap of greed. Those with far less wealth, succumb to envy.
We observe the possessions of the wealthy and long for them to be ours. The effect is the same. It damages our inner state.
Wisdom’s Response
Jesus is God’s ultimate wisdom. His guidance is the best direction we can receive concerning wealth. Below are but a few of His insights about material things.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[h] consume and where thieves break in and steal,
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6.19-21).
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get back” (Luke 6.38).
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 