But he does not know that the dead are there—her guests are in the depths of Sheol. Proverbs 9:18, TLV

Chained to Bad Choices?  Can we remember a point in our life where a moment’s event or decision changed our life? Other than our salvation experience, was there an event that shifted the course of our life irrevocably? Did we have a choice?

Sometimes, we’re taken down an unexpected path in our life, like with this pandemic. But many times, seemingly unplanned diversions are a result of choices we’ve made. Small choices that add up to major changes in our life.

Today’s proverb is the culmination of a naïve person’s choice to follow the “foolish woman” to his destruction. It may appear that this victim made one bad choice — and that can happen — but in all likelihood, this person had made many life choices that culminated in his last fatal one.

“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is delicious!” (vs. 17, TLV)

Really? How obvious can you get? Yet, the gullible soul fell for it. Think that can’t happen today? Who in their right mind would harm another? Who would stand by while a man brutalized a defenseless man begging for mercy?

Wisdom tells us that our foolish decisions will one day lead us down a dark path. They will chain us to a future we don’t want. We don’t have to be chained to an unwanted future or a sad fate.

The fear of ADONAI is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage, but if you scoff, you bear it alone. (vss. 10-12, TLV)

We discussed the fear of the LORD. This is a great place to begin because it grounds us in humility and love and a sense of who we are — and are not. From there, deciding to study and live His wisdom will increase our knowledge and develop discernment.

Now, when the “foolish woman” tries to tempt us with persuasive speech, we’ll see it for what it is: a trap. Seeing the trap, we’ll walk away. Or, like Joseph (Genesis 30:10-12), run!

Today followers of the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and His Son—our Messiah—celebrate Jesus’s resurrection. And others also celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. When we accept His sacrifice and follow Him, we turn from those temptations. At least we try, right?

But when we fail and make those poor decisions, the Holy Spirit is there to show us our sin. Repenting, then our Father’s forgiveness realigns our thinking to where it should be. So even those poor choices that have lasting repercussions, He will guide us and somehow He helps us live that future in grace.

I’ll leave us with Wisdom’s encouragement to pursue wisdom so that our days may be many, and we live with the spiritual advantages that come from the heart of our Father.

May we fear the LORD, and continue our wisdom journey, my friends.

Have you ever heard the “foolish woman’s” speech? How did you escape?

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you share your thoughts and share this blog with your family and friends. Thanks, and GOD bless. Happy Resurrection Day and Chag Semeach!