Being in community with other believers may look slightly different for everyone depending on church and context. For me, community is found in my couples’ small group. Our church likes to call the arena of small groups ministry “The Circle,” and it is one of our essential components of discipleship… If I weren’t immersed in a community of others who are also pursuing Jesus, I would almost certainly stray off Wisdom’s path. Lady Folly’s invitation would simply be too enticing. Whether it is a group of other men, women, couples, or a few trusted friends, walking in the way of Wisdom is nearly impossible without company.

Twenty-one years ago, The Discovery Channel followed a group of sailors in their quest to become US Navy SEALs. The program, known as Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, is one of the most physically and mentally challenging endeavors in the world. One particularly painful evolution in the training is known as Log PT. Candidates must work as a team to hoist, press, and maneuver telephone poles on the sandy beaches of Coronado, California. An average log weighs about 200 pounds, boat crews are comprised of about six men, and Log PT lasts for roughly two hours per session. I get out of breath just thinking about it.

If during the torment, performance is found to be less-than-satisfactory, SEAL instructors will cheerfully assign the offending boat crew to the log known as Old Misery. Misery tips the scales at a devastating 400 pounds. She basks alone on the sand, happily awaiting her next batch of victims. On the side of Misery are imprinted the foreboding words: “Misery Loves Company.”

Although we do not meet Old Misery within its pages, the book of Proverbs introduces us to a new character: Lady Wisdom. As we will see, the dreaded 400-pound log and Lady Wisdom share a rather unexpected bond.

Aside from Wisdom, there is another, more sinister woman lurking among the Proverbs. She is Lady Folly, and she desires your destruction. Proverbs tells us that both women are calling out to you. Wisdom has opened her home and longs for you to come and eat at her table (Proverbs 9:1-6). You must beware, however, of Lady Folly’s deception. She has crafted an invitation of her own, and the choice of which house to enter is now laid at your feet. We will take a brief look at the battle between our two personified parties, along with one surefire strategy to push Folly aside and pass through Lady Wisdom’s gate.

A War of Two Women

Before you can enter Lady Wisdom’s house, you must know who she is. Simply put, wisdom is the skill of walking in God’s way of living. It is choosing the path of righteousness, godliness, and holiness. This is easy to say but difficult to do. Luckily, God’s Word gives us a path to Lady Wisdom’s table. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that in order to have wisdom, one must start with a fear of the Lord. This is not fear in the common sense of the word, meaning an emotion of distress. Rather, it is a deep respect and reverence for God.

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