ESOCS Devotional 25 May 2026 – Contrast Between Wisdom and Folly
MEMORY VERSE: “He who refuses instructions despises his own soul, but he who hears correction receives understanding.” Proverbs 15:32 IKJV
TEXT: PROVERBS 15:28-33
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29 The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
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In Psalms 111:10, we see that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey God’s instructions in humility will grow in wisdom. Furthermore, in Proverbs 15:33, we discover that fear of the Lord is not only the beginning of wisdom, it is the foundation upon which one continues to grow wise (Proverbs 1:7). Little wonder arrogant fools are not honoured, because they reject instructions from counsellors, (Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, James 4:6).
Wise and righteous persons will put much thought into what they say, before speaking. On the contrary, fools speak before they think (1 Peter 3:15). Their mouth runs faster than their brain. Unfortunately, the Lord detests the presence of rebellious hearts, so wicked fools are not in God’s good books. God is swift to answer the supplications of the wise and righteous people. But He despises the requests of arrogant fools.
The humble wise receive much honour, because they listen to wise counsels. Moreover, those who bring down themselves to listen to advice of others will grow richer in knowledge and understanding. But the ones who would not listen to advice will certainly fall victim of their own stubbornness.
In all, the man of wisdom (Proverbs 4:7), asserts that: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding.” The New Living Translation puts it this way: “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” (Matthew 13:44-46, Proverbs 23:23). It’s time to brace up and get wiser, for God is angry with the wicked fool everyday (Psalms 7:11, 50:6).
Reflections
- In all things, he that winneth souls is wise
Prayer
- Lord, grant me the humble spirit of the wise.
Further Reading: Exodus 3:1-12; Acts 15:35-41; 2 Timothy 4:1-11
ESOCS Devotional 25 May 2026
