The Folly of Wickedness

DEVOTIONAL:

The definition of folly is "the state or quality of being foolish; the lack of understanding or sense; a foolish action or practice."

Wickedness means "the state of being wicked; evil disposition; immorality; a wicked or sinful thing or act; morally bad or objectionable behavior."

These two dispositions are bad enough alone, but put together they result in tragic consequences. The word fool as used in Proverbs means "a morally deficient person." When a fool resorts to wicked behavior, the truth of today's scripture becomes clearer.

The contrast drawn between the righteous and the wicked reveals how wicked behavior is bound to darkness. Take a moment to reflect upon the condition of the world today. Do you see evidence of the folly of wickedness in action? Now consider the contrasting view. Do you see how righteousness counteracts it?

Every day you are faced with choices of how to engage the world around you. Spend time today reflecting on the difference your decisions will make in the lives of those around you. Will there be rejoicing?

Ask God for wisdom to make righteous choices today.

Tim DeTellis, New Missions

Orlando, FL

(Taken from God's Wisdom for Today Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:

1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.

4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.

7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, and the hope of the unjust perishes.

8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, and it comes to the wicked instead.

9 The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.

11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

~ Proverbs 11:1-11