Proverbs 9:13-19: Compare

A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple, and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places of the city, To call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way: “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”; and as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell. Proverbs 11:13-18

Reread Proverbs 9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+9&version=NKJV)  and compare Wisdom and the foolish woman. 

Wisdom works. Proverbs 9:1, 2. 

Foolish woman sits. Proverbs 9:13. 

Wisdom offers food she has prepared. Provers 9:4, 5

Foolish woman gives stolen food. Proverbs 9:17

Wisdom offers instruction, learning, life! Proverbs 9:9-11

Foolish woman offers death. Proverbs 9:18

When you look at the comparison, why would anyone chose to follow the foolish woman? Simply put, wisdom offers a FEAST, the foolish wisdom garbage. Wisdom offers abundance of riches and life; the foolish woman misery and death. 

It's clear to see the difference and when given the choice, we say we'd of course choose wisdom! We want to very best, not the leftovers and misery. BUT, in reality what do we choose? 

The enticement and flattering words of the foolish woman draws us in. We want to see if what she offers is 'really that bad'. It sounds good, looks good, and I can do it in secret so none will know. 

But first off, we know. That secret begins to eat away at us. Ww have to live with the knowledge that we sinned. Secondly, God knows. Nothing done in secret remains secret. The consequences of the sin effect our hearts, mind, and lives. And then soon effects our relationship with those around us. 

Read Proverbs 9 again. Compare what is offered, then consider the choice you will make. And remember it's not a one time choice. It's a daily, 24/7 choice. Choosing wisdom and enjoying the benefits she offers begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Before each action/reaction, thought or word, THINK and evaluate whether you are choosing  wisdom or the foolish woman. If you are hesitant on making your choice, re-read Proverbs 9 and compare what the two have to offer. 

Cry Out to God

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 61. Here is what I learned.

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. Psalm 61:1 (AMP)

God, hear my cry; ·listen [pay attention] to my prayer. Psalm 61:1 (EXB)

Hear my cry, O God. He was in terrible earnest; he shouted, he lifted up his voice on high. He is not however content with the expression of his need: to give his sorrows vent is not enough for him, he wants actual audience of heaven, and manifold succour as the result. Pharisees may rest in their prayers; true believers are eager for an answer to them: ritualists may be satisfied when they have, "said or sung" their litanies and collects, but living children of God will never rest till their supplications have entered the ears of the Lord God of Sabaoth.

Attend unto my prayer. Give it thy consideration, and such an answer as thy wisdom sees fit. When it comes to crying with us, we need not doubt but that it will come to attending with God. Our heavenly Father is not hardened against the cries of his own children. What a consoling thought it is that the Lord at all times hears his people's cries, and is never forgetful of their prayers; whatever else fails to move him, praying breath is never spent in vain!  The Treasury of David

So often we expect people to know what’s going on in our lives.... but we neglect to tell them! In reality people can’t automatically know what’s happening in our lives if we are silent. 

God does know what is happening, as He knows everything... even our thoughts are words to God. However, God still wants us to communicate with Him. We need to cry out to God in prayer. 

Why? If God already knows do I have to pray? The best reason, is because it makes us realize that we are dependent upon God! Another reason is that prayer is not just to give God our wish list, rather prayer helps us gain wisdom and change our hearts to be in tune to God’s will and purpose. 

To create a positive day, I cannot remain silent, rather I need to cry out to God, sharing my deepest secrets and accepting His wisdom and love.