Inheritance

For Thursday, December 1, 2005
Proverbs 14:18

The simple inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

The simple complains about his bad luck. He can't seem the find the right job; he always gets the unfair teacher; he never gets a break. He can't see what everyone else sees - that his folly leads him into further folly. The prudent, on the other hand, because he is prudent learns and benefits from his experiences so that he turns both bad and good experiences into opportunity for knowledge that benefits him.

This proverb indicates, however, that the simple and prudent do not merely produce their respective fruit. They are also rewarded accordingly. It teaches the lesson of Romans 1:18-28 that God gives up the foolish to their foolish ways. They inherit further folly. And the proverb teaches Jesus' lesson of The Talents. To everyone who has, more will be given. The wise and the prudent will be given greater knowledge.

How does one move from being simple to becoming prudent and wise? The secret of the prudent is humility. The prudent know that in truth they are not wise before God. Because they are humble before him, and therefore become cautious about their ability and wisdom, God grants to them knowledge and wisdom.