Alyssa Kilcrease
26760548
Bible105
Essay 3
Describe the teachings of Hebrew wisdom on diligence and laziness. How does this correspond with the contrast between wisdom and folly? The bible mentions various times regarding the teachings of diligence while contrasting wisdom and folly. We learn wisdom is God given and foolishness is of the flesh. Wisdom is given to us by God so we can use knowledge correctly and if we don’t have God, we don’t have wisdom, therefore we cannot use knowledge correctly. The book of proverbs is where we find most of these teachings.
Solomon states, “a sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Our diligence reaps reward because the knowledge we receive helps us in every aspects of our lives. The bible must be the building block to our lives. As Christians we are obligated to follow the teachings of the Bible in every way of our lives. Our flesh naturally is so prone to pleasure and immediate gratification. Honoring God to these natural desires requires self-discipline and self-determination. It also requires submission to God’s purpose for our lives. If we choose to not be diligent in our walk with Christ, then we could possibly backslide as a result of being lazy and falling into deeper sin.
We can see Solomon’s pursuit after pleasure and wisdom were similar, as also were the conclusions. Solomon realizes the two paths he is taking were those of pleasure and wisdom seeking. A fool’s life is characterized by following pleasure apart from God. Solomon’s comparison in 2:12-17 does appear to be a comparison between wisdom, pleasure and folly. Solomon’s comparison seems to continue to uplift wisdom. In Proverbs, Solomon sets up wisdom as light and folly as darkness and acknowledges that a wise man is able to see and analyze their life. Due to this, a wise man is more likely to live a more productive life. The fool walks about in darkness; he is oblivious to the many dangers that regularly come near his door. They will often fall headlong into danger due to his complete lack of discretion.
In conclusion, we must put into practice the teachings of God through Solomon. God’s purpose is that we use His word for guidance through the many wise and not so wise people in the bible.
Proverbs 4:23- Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 14:8-The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
Proverbs 17:12-Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
"Bible.org." Bible.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2015.
Hindson, Edward E., and Gary E. Yates. The Essence of the Old Testament: A Survey. Nashville, TN: B & H Academic, 2012. Print.
"The Scofield Study BibleEdited by Cyrus I. Scofield." Scofield Study Bible. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2015. 