Proverbs 15:21-25

Prov 15:21 (KJB)

Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

 

Folly - Foolishness or imprudency

 

The fool thinks that acts and thoughts of foolishness are really the same thing as joy. This truly shows how destitute this person is of true wisdom. No one can survive very long by living as a fool doing fool hearted things. This life is not just one big party but it is a prelude to eternity and that is the permanent life. The fool chooses to nix off any dealings with wisdom or being serious because they are afraid that they will not like themselves, especially if they are no longer the life of the party. They would rather risk eternal damnation than to become serious in this life. On the other hand, the man of understanding, the saved man, will continue to walk uprightly in this world, knowing fully that this life is not the end, as many fools think it is. The man of understanding also fears God and seeks to please Him in this life and as he walks uprightly as a Christian should, God strengthens his walk and he becomes a stronger believer, thus making the chasm wider between wisdom and foolishness.

 

Prov 15:22 (KJB)

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

 

Disappointed - Break, frustrate, or annul

Established - Stand or rise

 

When a person sets out to tackle a project and they fail to take any counsel from anyone, they will miss out on the knowledge and wisdom that others may possess and which could save him much trouble. The problem is that many people think that they have so much wisdom that they can tackle anything alone. This is a great fallacy because when we run into problems, they might have been avoided but instead they have bogged a person down. Any time we want to start a venture, it is mandatory that we seek the counsel of others for it may save us much heartache and problems. This is especially true if we desire to go into ministry. We speak with others to ask them their advice and to make sure that we are not on the wrong path. We continue to pray and seek God’s counsel as we speak to others and we must make sure who we are speaking with, that they are spiritually mature and not a fool.

 

Prov 15:23 (KJB)

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

 

Due season - In its time

 

Here is a proverb which teaches how important it is to be in control of our speech and to use wisdom. When a man is asked for his advice and he gives the proper advice, not only does he make the person receiving the advice happy, it makes the man happy who is giving the advice. It does not matter what type of advice he is giving, whether it pertains to something spiritual or secular, the right words spoken at the right time, will create a good situation and help the other person. The words can be of exhortation or encouragement, or anything which is fitting for the need at hand. This verse shows us how important it is that we walk in wisdom, so we may impart that wisdom to others, helping them stay or get back on the right track.

 

Prov 15:24 (KJB)

The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

 

Above - Toward upward or above

 

Here is a verse which speaks of the life after this one. To the wise, the way of life is patterned after Heaven, that is, to live in concert with the principles God has given in the Scriptures. The wise man knows that he needs to live according to the Scriptures since this life is only a transient one and the real life comes after this one. They realize that it is necessary to follow the Lord, since they were given a new heart. The life of the believer on earth is only a prelude or training ground for Heaven. As the believer continues to grow in the faith, they are showing their life is departing farther from the unsaved life which leads to hell. Even though both the righteous man and the evil man suffer physical death, the departure from each other is permanent. The righteous man goes right into the presence of the Lord and the unsaved man waits to stand trial for his sins on the last day. This is why when Christians live like the world, it does not show the reality of the true Christian life.

 

Prov 15:25 (KJB)

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

 

Proud - Arrogant, to be high, or presumptuous

 

Here is a verse which speaks of the Lord’s pattern of justice. Those who may have power or wealth and are very arrogant because of that position, will be destroyed by the Lord. (Psa 10:2 KJV) The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. The wicked in their pride have always persecuted the poor, but their own devices which they have invented to control or persecute the poor will be used upon them and they will be destroyed by decree of the Lord. On the other hand, the Lord is going to establish the border or territory of the widow. The widows were the lowest social class in ancient times but their social status does not mean they were forgotten by the Lord who is the great equalizer. He will destroy the proud and exalt the saved widow of low degree. It does not matter what social status God’s children on earth hold, they are all equal in His sight and on Judgment day, those who persecuted the poor will be made to stand for their sins, and they will then realize that it was God who gave them their wealth and they misused it and abused it and now they must give account.

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