Description

Dr. Jim Tillotson concludes his study of Proverbs 9 by contrasting Lady Wisdom with Lady Folly, showing how both compete for attention but lead to vastly different outcomes.

Scripture Text

Proverbs 9:10-18

Main Points or Ideas

Lady Wisdom offers life through God's Word:

• Wisdom begins with salvation (fear of the Lord) and continues with sanctification
• God, who knows everything including our deepest secrets, has written the Bible for His glory and our good
• Time always proves that God is right, and following His wisdom leads to blessing

Lady Folly is demanding, deceitful, and deadly:

• Demanding - Sin clamors for attention in our culture and aggressively pursues those just going about their way
• Deceitful - Promises that "stolen water is sweet" and secret pleasures are enjoyable, but this is a lie that hides the hook
• Deadly - Leads to spiritual and often physical death, as seen in various addictions and destructive behaviors

Using grief as an example, both women will show up during difficult times. Lady Wisdom says to run to Christ, while Lady Folly encourages wallowing in self-pity, bitterness, and isolation.

Conclusion

Students must choose between wisdom and folly, understanding that God's Word provides guidance for every area of life, and choosing wisdom may be costly but is always worth it in the end.