Proverbs 9; Acts 24

Proverbs 9
Proverbs 9 serves as a review for the first 8 chapters. It repeats the one big decision a person must make between Wisdom and Folly. I capitalize them because they are personified in Proverbs as a wise woman and a foolish (and dangerous) one.

Wisdom has built a solid and beautiful home in which she offers good food and drink and where one can find life and good judgment. (verses 1-6) The next few verses tell us that the wise person will be a teachable one. Unlike the mockers and the wicked ones who only get angry when they are corrected, the wise will learn from their mistakes and from those who offer help and correction. (verses 7-9)

Next we see that true wisdom is really godly wisdom. "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment." Godly wisdom offers a long life. (verses 11, 12)  Remember that the Proverbs tell us what usually happens. We all know that godly people and even babies and children can die young. But a person who chooses God's ways and avoids a risky lifestyle is much more likely to enjoy a long and meaningful life.

Godly wisdom is contrasted with Folly in verses 13-18. "She is ignorant and doesn't know it." Wow! Don't listen to her! The temporary excitement and pleasure she offers will surely lead to shame and eventually death.

Acts 24
OK We are back in "court" with Paul who always seemed to be in trouble! Tertulllus, lawyer for the high priest Ananias first presents his accusations of Paul before the governor, Felix. He accuses Paul of causing riots among the Jews all over the world. "He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes." It's interesting that these Jewish leaders would not even name these believers Christians--followers of Christ.(verses 1-9)

Next, Felix gave Paul the opportunity to respond. Paul stated that he had been in Jerusalem only 12 days and that he had not argued with anyone nor stirred up any riots. He went on "but I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult." He assured them that he was a good Jewish man who believed in God and who followed Jewish law and tried to "maintain a clear conscience before Gd and all people." Paul then assured Felix that the Jewish high council had not found him guilty of any crimes other than the fact that he declared his belief in the resurrection of the dead. (verses 10-21)

Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way (believers in Jesus), procrastinated making a decision about Paul. He and his Jewish wife Drusilla listened repeatedly (for 2 years!) to Paul's telling them all about his faith in Christ Jesus. Felix procrastinated about this too saying he would listen "when it is more convenient." He also hoped for a bribe from Paul. But Felix's term came to an end and he was succeeded by Festus, and as Festus becomes governor, Paul is still in prison.