I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Proverbs 9-13.

    Both wisdom and folly extend open invitations to all who choose to listen. Wisdom offers us change and hard work, do what wisdom advises and live. Folly offers taking the easy way out, relying on deception. Folly fails to mention how her path always ends in death. In between these two examples the writer warns us that if we correct a mocker for mocking the innocent, they will turn their insults against us. And if we rebuke the wicked, they will turn their assaults against us. However, the wise welcome correction and change their ways when someone shows them how they were doing wrong.

    The rest of today’s passage contains a series of independent proverbs, each one composed of one or two sentences which make important points. Despite the fact that each of these proverbs is independent of the others there are several themes which are repeated. The writer mentions again that fools act wickedly and that the wicked behave foolishly. The righteous do what is wise, even when they are not wise. The writer emphasizes in these many proverbs something which all too many people fail to understand: Wisdom and righteousness go hand in hand, as do wickedness and folly. If you do not know what the wise action is, do what is right to the best of your knowledge and you will not be far off. If you know that an action is wicked or evil, you can be sure that it is also foolish. God honors those who are honest and straightforward, but He despises those who lie and are deceitful.