Effects of Wisdom vs. Foolishness

Notes from Proverbs 10:13-14

Translation
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is found for the back of the one lacking willpower.

14 Wise men will store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool will store up quick destruction.

Notes
13 “Lacking willpower” is literally “lacks heart.” The phrase “lacks heart” refers to one who is foolish due to lacking discernment and the wisdom that comes from experience. This phrase could be translated “simple, naive, 'green,' unacquainted with the ways of the world and thus easily fooled.” Belshazzar in Daniel 5 is a perfect example of one who “lacks heart.”

14 The second phrase in this verse lacks a verb, so the verb is supplied from the first half of the verse. [The second phrase would literally be rendered “fool destruction near.”]

“5 Ws”

Who? 1) The discerning = wise men; 2) the one lacking willpower = the one speaking foolishly.

What? 1) wisdom = knowledge; 2) a rod = quick destruction

How? 1) wisdom is acquired by those who seek God by means of His Word; 2) punishment/destruction is acquired by those who do not care about God, who spend their lives speaking foolishly and chasing after passing pleasures

When? at all times, but also with a reference to future judgment

Where? 1) on the lips = in the speech [the overflow of the heart, Luke 6:45] <– knowledge of God stored up within the heart; 2) the fool “lacks heart” his spiritual component is dead, he speaks foolishly, and his mortal shell is subject to punishment and destruction

Why? The reason that we exist is to glorify God, enjoying Him forever. Those who are fools, who “lack heart,” are living contrary to the purpose for which they are created; they make themselves increasingly offensive to God. Their sin is primarily noticeable to others due to their foolish speech. The wise honor God; they benefit themselves and benefit others.

So what? We must ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom to discern if we are foolish, if we lack heart, or if our hearts crave God’s wisdom. Do we see the effects of wisdom in our lives? Do we store up knowledge through means of prayerful consideration of God’s Word? Do we find ourselves speaking with wisdom: encouraging Christians and evangelizing the lost?

II Tim. 3:16 hermeneutic

Teaching: This passage teaches us concerning the outcomes of wisdom and foolishness.

Rebuking: This passage rebukes those who are characterized by foolishness or lack of willpower, declaring the punishment/destruction that they will face.

Correcting: This passage would correct those who have started out on the path of wisdom, but whose speech lacks wisdom.

Training in righteousness: This passage trains those who seek godly wisdom that we should examine ourselves in terms of our speech and endeavors in storing up knowledge.

Passages for Application

James 1:5 (NIV 1984),

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

James 3:6 (NIV 1984),

⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Commentary

Matthew Henry “Of him that wants [lacks] a heart: he exposes himself to the lashes of his own conscience, to the censures of the magistrate, and to the judgments of God.”

Christological consideration- Jn. 5:39 and Lk. 24:27 hermeneutic

Each one of us comes into this world “lacking heart,” lacking a will to do what is right; we– like our first parents, Adam and Eve– each turn away from God and seek our own way. We are all, by nature, children under wrath (Eph 2:3): we have sinned against God, and we deserve punishment; we deserve swift destruction. Jesus Christ, who is truly God, was also the only truly wise Man. He was the only one who was perfect in His speech, as well as in all His actions. Jesus, on the Cross, took the punishment that we deserve: He suffered destruction in our place, on our behalf. On the third day, He rose again, victorious over destruction and offering new, eternal life to all who believe in Him. That life comes about by the Holy Spirit, who fills followers in Christ and who grants us true wisdom– wisdom from above– in the place of our natural foolishness.

Point of the Passage

Wise men are discerning, and their lives will be characterized by storing up knowledge and righteous speech; fools lack willpower, and their lives will be characterized by foolish speech, punishment, and quick destruction.

Point of the Message

Check your heart, mind, and speech, see what you are storing up; seek after Wisdom.