Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. – Proverbs 15:21
There is temporary pleasure in eating cupcakes and cookies that results in the battle of the bulge. Similarly, sin brings temporary pleasure, but wreaks havoc in the long run. Today’s verse says that folly is a joy to him that lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. A hedonist, a pleasure-seeker, will sooner or later account for his lack of sense. A person with spiritual understanding, a God-seeker, can navigate a road of twists, turns, and obstacles, and move forward in his life. Christ-followers also find joy, not temporary happiness, and it is a deep joy that carries through eternity.
There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness depends on what is happening. Joy stems from knowing the Lord and being in an ongoing relationship with Him. Joy does not need everything to be going well. A person who knows God’s true joy can navigate through unpleasant circumstances and remain hopeful.
God wants you to have the fullness of joy. Paul writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you…Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:23-24).
Rejoice that you belong in God’s family and that He answers your prayers. Pray for the citizens and governing officials of the United States to be God-seekers rather than pleasure-seekers and receive the joy that lasts.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 15:21
Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,
but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 16
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
