Avoid Folly

(Proverbs 14:18 KJV)  The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

When we “inherit” (5157) something we think of it as coming to us through the efforts of someone else.  We don’t think of having earned it.  That is not the idea here.  I find two words translated “inherit”.  Both have the idea of gaining a possession but infer different means.  The other word seems to be active.  You grab what you want.  The word used here seems to be more passive.  It is a promise that something will come your way.

The inheritance here is not grabbed but it is earned.  It is given as a response.  We know that we were all born in sin and lived in sin and deserve death.  As Christians, we believe that God provided a way for salvation by faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.  If we believe and walk in faith we get the promise, not what we deserve.  The idea here is that if we put our mind to sleep then we will be rewarded.  The reward will not be pleasant.

So?  Wake your mind up.  Engage the word.  Walk with Jesus.  Avoid “folly” (200).  I am finding that the daily discipline of wrestling with Proverbs makes my day better.