The world is filled with people who are seeking ways to take advantage of others. Wisdom will protect those who listen to her from all manner of evil perversions, twisted paths, and devious ways of the wicked. Wisdom is a guardian who will provide safety from the unrighteous schemes of evil people who would gladly exploit others for their own benefit.

Illustration: Charles C. Parker, a New York con artist who sold the Brooklyn Bridge to wealthy immigrants for over 40 years.

Verses:  Prov. 2:12-15  

Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille

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Wisdom is a multi-faceted reality that can be described as consisting of understanding, insight, discretion, discernment, and many other important qualities. The practical value of wisdom is that it safeguards us against making bad choices and suffering the consequences of foolish mistakes. In this way, wisdom is our protector and guardian, watching over us and helping us, if we will let wisdom come into our heart and be willing to learn what it means to be wise.

Illustration: Netflix CEO Reed Hastings’ vision for online movie streaming to avoid company failure and bankruptcy and to lead the entertainment industry into a new age.

Verses:  Prov. 2:9-11; 4:6 

Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille 

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The Book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom, but where does that wisdom come from? Many of the proverbs are the words of Solomon, but their origin lies with Yahweh who is the source of all wisdom. If we desire to have true wisdom in life, then we must seek Yahweh with all our heart and ask him to give us wisdom so that we can live in righteousness, integrity, and humility.

Illustration: King Solomon receiving wisdom from God to administer justice among the people of Israel

Verses:  Prov. 2:6-8; Jas 1:5-8  

Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille 

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We desire many things in life, and we often expend much energy striving to attain them. But sometimes we don’t put forth the effort that is needed, or we don’t stick with it long enough to see the results. We must not have that sort of short-sighted attitude or half-hearted effort in our search for wisdom. Wisdom is like a crown jewel or the finest silver—wisdom is the greatest treasure. The question is, “Do we have the desire and determination to find her?”

Illustration: Howard Carter and the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

Verses:  Prov. 2:1-5  

Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille 

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Lady Wisdom is a personification of the attribute of wisdom. She invites people to come and dine with her as a metaphor for listening to her and learning from her. In her presence, her guests can experience many wonderful and satisfying things that show how gracious and beneficial she is to those who accept her invitation. If this is a picture of what life is like by having wisdom, then we should desire to find Lady Wisdom and enjoy the good life that only she can provide.

Illustration: Preston Bailey, internationally acclaimed event designer, who has designed some of the most elaborate event decorations

Verses:  Prov. 9:1-6 

Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille 

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The voice of Lady Folly tempts people to see sweet and pleasant things in what is mischievous and rebellious. Her allure is in the excitement and thrill of getting away with what we want. But she doesn’t tell you that her rewards are superficial and temporary, and they often come with drastic consequences. She calls out to people, inviting them to join her in secret pleasures, but little do they know that, in the end, it will always leave a bitter taste in their mouths.

Illustration: Jordan Belfort, stockbroker busted for investment fraud, nicknamed “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Verses:  Prov. 9:17  

Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille 

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Lady Folly is a personification of the attribute of foolishness. She imitates wisdom as she tries to seduce people to listen to her, offering enticing and appealing things to lure naïve people into her trap. But that is like any replica, it is designed to look like the authentic. If we know what to look for and if we examine where the road leads, we can easily spot that Lady Folly is a complete fraud.

Illustration: Wolfgang Beltracchi, the most famous art forger of all time.

Verses:  Prov. 9:13-18 

Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille 

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We might think of foolishness as a relatively harmless characteristic of a person, but the Book of Proverbs thinks much differently about it. Foolishness is very harmful and destructive. We might not immediately perceive the wickedness in foolishness, but its consequences will come to bite everyone who is involved. Danger abounds when encounter a fool in their foolishness, so we must be wise and cautious to avoid it.

Illustration: Bear attack in Montana, and three friends killed on a fishing trip in Florida.

Verses:  Prov. 17:12 

Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille 

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In a succinct and powerful statement, Lady Wisdom exhorts listeners to “Leave their naïve ways and live.” We all have areas of foolishness in our lives, but sometimes changing our habits and ways of thinking is difficult and takes time and determination. But walking on the road of understanding will yield a life that cannot be achieved with foolishness. We must turn away from and leave it behind in order to experience the life that Yahweh intends for us to have.

Illustration: The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24) – the younger son comes to his senses and leaves his foolish ways behind.

Verses:  Prov. 9:6 

Teacher:  Jerry Wierwille 

If you were blessed by this episode, please consider supporting this podcast by donating at https://spiritandtruthonline.org/donate