There is not much difference between a Policeman and a Criminal. It isn’t an insult to Policemen. A Policeman has to be able to think like a Criminal to catch one. The only real difference between these two is what side of the Law they are on.
Wisdom and Folly are the same. A fine line exists between the two:
Wisdom is built upon and has order and discipline. Wisdom prepares an inviting table to eat from. The perfect mixture and a delight to eat from:
Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
Proverbs 9:1,2
Folly is unruly, undisciplined and couldn’t care less:
Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing.
Proverbs 9:13
That is the defining line. On one side is Wisdom, the other is Folly.
They then have many similar attributes:
Both call out…and from the same places.
Wisdom:
She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city,
Proverbs 9:3
Folly:
She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way,
Proverbs 9:14,15
The method of call gives a little hint as to the difference. Note that Wisdom sends with a servant attitude, the other with a crass and selfish attitude. The way they do things are opposed.
Both call to the ‘simple’, the unwise and with no sense. The call is to us all.
Wisdom:
“Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says,
Proverbs 9:4
Folly:
“Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says,
Proverbs 9:16
The invitation is for the same thing that is in our heart to desire, possess or consume…but the acquisition of it is different.
Wisdom:
“Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.
Proverbs 9:5
Folly:
“Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!”
Proverbs 9:17
Feasting upon the morsels will taste great for both Wisdom and Folly. However after eating from their tables, only Wisdom gives life. The deception of Folly delivers death.
Wisdom:
Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.” Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
Proverbs 9:6-11Folly:
But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.
Proverbs 9:18
It is a fine line. Both are calling you to themselves… who will you listen to? Who do you choose to heed the call from?