Asher Sisneros

Proverbs is the most well-known of the three pieces of wisdom literature—Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Over time, Proverbs became synonymous with wisdom. The book contrasts wisdom and foolishness. Solomon addresses the positive attributes that wise people have and the negative attributes of their foolish counterparts. Overall, he makes the case for seeking wisdom. The first seven chapters focus on why, using a marriage metaphor. This essay will focus on that metaphor, along with the positive and negative sanctions. 

Every self-respecting human wants to be a “good person.” It’s common sense. Sure, some people might overlook that desire, and it may not be their focus, but I think it’s a safe assumption to say that most people strive to be “good.” Solomon says that justice, judgment, equity, prudence, and discretion—attributes of a good person—stem from wisdom. And he says the first step to attaining those qualities is submission to instruction. More specifically, parental guidance and God’s law. Our parents have instructed us since our youth. If we are wise, we’ll listen—and when we are old, we won’t depart from it. 

Solomon uses anthropomorphism to describe wisdom as a woman. It’s a metaphor that’s probably more effective for male readers than female ones. But I digress.  He says Wisdom is calling us. We’ve known her for our whole lives, but a new strange woman, Foolishness, attempts to seduce us. The two ladies compete for our attention and affection. It’s our choice who we’ll choose, but Solomon says Wisdom is the wife of our youth. Since we’ve known her longer than Foolishness and in the metaphor, they’re married, abandoning Wisdom is adultery. 

It’s a tempting offer, no doubt. Solomon says her lips drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil. From a distance, she looks enticing. However, further examination reveals that Foolishness walks toward death. “But in the end, she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lay hold of hell.”¹ On the other hand, Wisdom gives us peace and a long life; wisdom is better than riches and wealth; she’s our protector from evil. When we abandon her, we’re more susceptible to making bad choices. 

Solomon’s warning is that we run away from Foolishness. He wants us to find pleasure in the “wife of our youth,” Wisdom. Poverty and destruction follow the great seductress, and if we choose her, we’ll have nothing but regret. He said, “Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot, a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and the adulteress will prey upon his precious life.”² The point is that she will ruin us. To continue the adultery metaphor, Solomon points out that Foolishness’ husband will become furious. Unlike the other sins, there is no mercy from an enraged husband. Only death will satisfy his anger. In which case, why are we dying? Answer: Because of a promiscuous woman. 

Then Solomon brings God into the picture and exits the metaphor. God is the creator of wisdom. It stems from His mind. At the beginning of the first chapter, he said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”³ When our parents provide instruction and correction— teach us wisdom—it’s on God’s behalf. Solomon says, “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.” ⁴

The great dilemma we face as individuals is whether we’ll choose Wisdom, the wife of our youth, or Foolishness, the great seductress. It’s our choice, but remember one thing: God is Judge.

1. Proverbs 5:4-5 ↩︎
2. Proverbs 6:25-26 ↩︎
3.  Proverbs 1:6 ↩︎
4. Proverbs 5:21 ↩︎