When we consider the two women at the outset of Proverbs, we see the blessing of following after the wisdom of God and the curse of pursuing folly. In nearly five decades of life, I have found that I am still surprised by the shock and awe of people who reap what they sow. People who waste their resources continue to be surprised they have none. People who engage in sinful and wicked choices are inevitably caught off guard when those choices bring heartache and loss. People who neglect their marriages are surprised when they fail as though it was "all of a sudden." On the flip side, people who pursue the knowledge of God are shocked at the peace that takes hold of their lives. People who study to know God well are amazed that they have learned such deep things. Those who have intentionally considered the great love of God towards us and who believe in it are stunned when they feel flooded with love. If we tax our muscles, they grow; if we become stagnant, they atrophy. These are simple concepts. Still, the practical truth of wisdom and folly continues to elude us. If we pursue wisdom, we become wise; if we pursue folly, we become foolish. The first nine chapters of Proverbs may be the most practical text in all of Scripture and apply to every person in every situation.