We are reading through the book of Proverbs at church, and I caught by this interchange of Lady Wisdom and the Woman of Folly.  Sounds like one of those old fashion radio shows or an episode of Sherlock Holmes.  

What really caught my attention was the question that both of the women asked.

  Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!’ To him who lacks understanding she says….. Proverbs 9:4 and 9:16. 

At this point, both Lady Wisdom and the Woman of Folly are asking the exact same question.  So I wondered, how do you tell them apart?  How do you know if you’re following either wisdom or folly, if they sound so much alike?

It always becomes clearer down the road, as wisdom and folly will take very different paths, but many times that’s way too late.  By that time, folly leads us into places we shouldn’t be,  with experiences we should never have had.  So, how can we tell the difference between these two from the beginning?  How can we make sure we don’t take one step down the path of folly? 

 The verses surrounding each question go on to give information as to who these women are, and what their reputations may tell us about them.   Lady Wisdom prepares a banquet and invites you in and encourages you to live a life of meaning.  The Woman of Folly, entices with whispers of a good time and secrets.  It seems that we should know the Woman of Folly is up to no good, right?    It’s easy as I sit here to compare and contrast wisdom and folly, but this isn’t the movies where there’s an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other.  I still wondered, how can I tell the difference? 

Before the Woman of Folly has her chance to ask the question it says:   

Calling to those who pass by, who are making their paths straight….. Proverbs 9: 15. 

So all those men walking on the straight path or just passing by, have no intention of visiting Folly.  She entices them though to turn into her house.  That really may be our most strong indication of who she is, because as you turn to her you turn away from God.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6.  

And it hit me (or I should say He hit me) that it’s not wisdom and folly I need to focus on, but my Heavenly Father!  Without seeking Him first, there will be no way I can tell  wisdom and folly apart.   Seeking Him is what keeps us all on the right path.  It’s the path He sets before us and that path ONLY leads to wisdom!

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.  James 3:17