The Wise, The Foolish, and The Evil
“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” – Proverbs 9:7-9 NKJV
One of the most helpful things I’ve ever learned is that Scripture describes three types of people. Every one of us falls into one of these categories. Even more helpful than simply knowing they exist is learning how to discern which one I am, and which one others are as well.
In the proverb above, all three are mentioned: the wise, the foolish, and the evil.
The Wise | The wise person lives by the Spirit of God, not by the flesh.
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” – Galatians 5:16-17 NLT
Paul makes it clear that we are to live by the Spirit of God, not our flesh. Yes, our flesh will show up from time to time, but as born-again believers, the Spirit of God dwells within us so that we may live according to His will and desire.
Wise people run to the truth and into the light. They never try to hide in darkness. They know freedom is found in the light, not in secrecy. They are quick to confess, quick to admit struggles, quick to say “I’m sorry,” and quick to close the gap between themselves and God.
The Foolish | The Foolish person lives by the flesh.
Many fall into this category. Foolish people can be some of the most intelligent individuals in the room, yet they refuse to live in reality. They are burden-givers, not burden-lifters; life-draining, not life-giving. They often avoid responsibility and try to shift it onto others.
Foolish people act as though the truth and the light don’t exist. They may be saved, but they live according to their carnal nature rather than the Spirit of truth. Spiritually, they are stuck wandering in the “wilderness,” sometimes edging closer to the promised land, other times drifting back toward Egypt. They never fully take up their cross to follow Jesus.
The Evil | The evil person lives by demonic power.
There are truly evil people in this world. We see many examples of this today. Evil people are intentionally dangerous. They have been hurt and, in turn, intentionally hurt others. They are highly controlling and often very influential.
When confronted with truth or light, they run from it. Perhaps you’ve known a few like this, but most people don’t fall into this category. And just to ease your mind, if you’re asking yourself, “Am I evil?” the answer is almost certainly no. You’re reading a devotional and seeking truth, which in itself is evidence you are not.
Which one are you: wise, foolish, or evil? Do you run to the light, away from the light, or act as if the light doesn’t exist?
One great way to assess ourselves is to look honestly at our relationships. Are your closest relationships with the wise, or with the foolish and the destructive?
Scripture gives us the key:
“Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.” – Proverbs 15:33 NLT
If we want to be wise, we must pursue Jesus with seriousness and humility. He is the One who teaches wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom are not the same; knowledge without wisdom is useless. Wisdom is knowing how to apply what we know in a way that honors God.
The wise, the foolish, and the evil – three paths, three outcomes. The question is: which one will you walk in today?
Prayer | Lord, thank You for showing us the difference between the wise, the foolish, and the evil. I ask that You help me walk in wisdom by the power of Your Spirit. Expose any areas of foolishness in my life and lead me into Your truth and light. Protect me from the influence of evil and give me discernment in my relationships. Teach me to fear You in reverence and humility so that my life may honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
One of the most helpful things I’ve ever learned is that Scripture describes three types of people. Every one of us falls into one of these categories. Even more helpful than simply knowing they exist is learning how to discern which one I am, and which one others are as well.
In the proverb above, all three are mentioned: the wise, the foolish, and the evil.
The Wise | The wise person lives by the Spirit of God, not by the flesh.
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” – Galatians 5:16-17 NLT
Paul makes it clear that we are to live by the Spirit of God, not our flesh. Yes, our flesh will show up from time to time, but as born-again believers, the Spirit of God dwells within us so that we may live according to His will and desire.
Wise people run to the truth and into the light. They never try to hide in darkness. They know freedom is found in the light, not in secrecy. They are quick to confess, quick to admit struggles, quick to say “I’m sorry,” and quick to close the gap between themselves and God.
The Foolish | The Foolish person lives by the flesh.
Many fall into this category. Foolish people can be some of the most intelligent individuals in the room, yet they refuse to live in reality. They are burden-givers, not burden-lifters; life-draining, not life-giving. They often avoid responsibility and try to shift it onto others.
Foolish people act as though the truth and the light don’t exist. They may be saved, but they live according to their carnal nature rather than the Spirit of truth. Spiritually, they are stuck wandering in the “wilderness,” sometimes edging closer to the promised land, other times drifting back toward Egypt. They never fully take up their cross to follow Jesus.
The Evil | The evil person lives by demonic power.
There are truly evil people in this world. We see many examples of this today. Evil people are intentionally dangerous. They have been hurt and, in turn, intentionally hurt others. They are highly controlling and often very influential.
When confronted with truth or light, they run from it. Perhaps you’ve known a few like this, but most people don’t fall into this category. And just to ease your mind, if you’re asking yourself, “Am I evil?” the answer is almost certainly no. You’re reading a devotional and seeking truth, which in itself is evidence you are not.
Which one are you: wise, foolish, or evil? Do you run to the light, away from the light, or act as if the light doesn’t exist?
One great way to assess ourselves is to look honestly at our relationships. Are your closest relationships with the wise, or with the foolish and the destructive?
Scripture gives us the key:
“Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.” – Proverbs 15:33 NLT
If we want to be wise, we must pursue Jesus with seriousness and humility. He is the One who teaches wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom are not the same; knowledge without wisdom is useless. Wisdom is knowing how to apply what we know in a way that honors God.
The wise, the foolish, and the evil – three paths, three outcomes. The question is: which one will you walk in today?
Prayer | Lord, thank You for showing us the difference between the wise, the foolish, and the evil. I ask that You help me walk in wisdom by the power of Your Spirit. Expose any areas of foolishness in my life and lead me into Your truth and light. Protect me from the influence of evil and give me discernment in my relationships. Teach me to fear You in reverence and humility so that my life may honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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