Category Archives: Unteachable / Foolish

Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Choose Your Invitation Wisely (Proverbs 9)

June 8, 2025 John (HFJ Director) Leave a comment

Not all invitations lead to life. Wisdom and folly both call out—but only one leads to God.

Key Verse:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” —Proverbs 9:10 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 9 presents a vivid contrast between two invitations: one from Wisdom and one from Folly. Both call out from high places. Both seem appealing. But only Wisdom offers life and truth. Wisdom builds her house, prepares a feast, and invites the simple to grow in understanding. Folly mimics this with loud, seductive calls, offering stolen pleasures that lead to destruction. The chapter culminates in the timeless truth that fearing the Lord is the beginning of true wisdom.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 9

Wisdom’s Invitation

1Wisdom has built her house,
She has hewn out her seven pillars;

2She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine;
She has also set her table;

3She has sent out her maidens, she calls
From the tops of the heights of the city:

4“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!”
To him who lacks understanding she says,

5“Come, eat of my food
And drink of the wine I have mixed.

6“Forsake your folly and live,
And proceed in the way of understanding.”

7He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,
And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.

8Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you.

9Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.

12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

13The woman of folly is boisterous,
She is naive and knows nothing.

14She sits at the doorway of her house,
On a seat by the high places of the city,

15Calling to those who pass by,
Who are making their paths straight:

16“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,”
And to him who lacks understanding she says,

17“Stolen water is sweet;
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

18But he does not know that the dead are there,
That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Reflection on Proverbs 9:
Every day, we are faced with competing voices. Wisdom whispers through God’s Word, through godly counsel, and through the quiet prompting of the Spirit. Folly shouts through culture, temptation, and pride. At first glance, both paths may appear attractive, but their ends could not be more different.

Wisdom invites us to a table set with truth, understanding, and life. She doesn’t just offer knowledge—she offers relationship with the Holy One. But the path of folly, though sweet in the moment, is deceptive. It appeals to our desire for quick gratification and independence, yet it leads to death.

Proverbs 9 teaches us that choosing God’s way is not merely about avoiding sin—it’s about being nourished by truth. The fear of the Lord isn’t a cowering fear but a reverent awe that submits our hearts to His will, which is where real wisdom begins.

Application:
Which voice are you listening to today? Are you daily sitting at the table Wisdom has prepared through Scripture, prayer, and godly teaching? Or are you being drawn toward shortcuts and lies that seem easier but lead to ruin?

Commit to seeking the knowledge of the Holy One. Spend time each day with God, asking Him for wisdom. He promises to give it freely to those who ask (James 1:5).

Closing Prayer:
Lord, I want to choose the path of wisdom. Help me to fear You rightly and to grow in the knowledge of who You are. Tune my ears to Your voice and guard me from the traps of folly. Lead me in Your truth today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Wisdom Was There from the Beginning (Proverbs 8)

June 1, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

In a world filled with noise and opinions, wisdom still calls out—clear, constant, and rooted in creation itself.

Key Verse:
“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverted mouth, I hate.” —Proverbs 8:13 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 8 presents wisdom as a person calling out in the streets, on the heights, at the crossroads—anywhere people will listen. Unlike the deceptive allure of sin described in the previous chapter, wisdom offers truth, life, and righteousness. This chapter isn’t just about good advice; it’s a divine revelation. Wisdom is eternal, established before the creation of the world. YHWH used wisdom to lay the foundations of the earth. Those who listen to wisdom are blessed and secure, but those who reject her love death.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 8

The Commendation of Wisdom

1Does not wisdom call,
And understanding lift up her voice?

2On top of the heights beside the way,
Where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

3Beside the gates, at the opening to the city,
At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:

4“To you, O men, I call,
And my voice is to the sons of men.

5“O naive ones, understand prudence;
And, O fools, understand wisdom.

6“Listen, for I will speak noble things;
And the opening of my lips will reveal right things.

7“For my mouth will utter truth;
And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8“All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness;
There is nothing crooked or perverted in them.

9“They are all straightforward to him who understands,
And right to those who find knowledge.

10“Take my instruction and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choicest gold.

11“For wisdom is better than jewels;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

12“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And I find knowledge and discretion.

13“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverted mouth, I hate.

14“Counsel is mine and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, power is mine.

15“By me kings reign,
And rulers decree justice.

16“By me princes rule, and nobles,
All who judge rightly.

17“I love those who love me;
And those who diligently seek me will find me.

18“Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring wealth and righteousness.

19“My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,
And my yield better than choicest silver.

20“I walk in the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,

21To endow those who love me with wealth,
That I may fill their treasuries.

22“The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way,
Before His works of old.

23“From everlasting I was established,
From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.

24“When there were no depths I was brought forth,
When there were no springs abounding with water.

25“Before the mountains were settled,
Before the hills I was brought forth;

26While He had not yet made the earth and the fields,
Nor the first dust of the world.

27“When He established the heavens, I was there,
When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,

28When He made firm the skies above,
When the springs of the deep became fixed,

29When He set for the sea its boundary
So that the water would not transgress His command,
When He marked out the foundations of the earth;

30Then I was beside Him, as a master workman;
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,

31Rejoicing in the world, His earth,
And having my delight in the sons of men.

32“Now therefore, O sons, listen to me,
For blessed are they who keep my ways.

33“Heed instruction and be wise,
And do not neglect it.

34“Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at my doorposts.

35“For he who finds me finds life
And obtains favor from the LORD.

36“But he who sins against me injures himself;
All those who hate me love death.”

Reflection on Proverbs 8:
Wisdom doesn’t hide. She shouts in public places, eager to be heard by all who will listen. Her message is noble, pure, and righteous. She speaks truth—not with manipulation or selfish motives, but with clarity and integrity.

What’s remarkable in this chapter is the eternal nature of wisdom. She was present before the earth was formed, before the oceans were poured out, and before the mountains rose up. This reveals the divine and timeless nature of true wisdom—it is not man-made. It flows from God Himself and was with Him as He created all things.

To fear the Lord is to hate evil. That means wisdom doesn’t tolerate sin, pride, or twisted thinking. It delights in what is right and just. There is no compromise in God’s wisdom—it’s not just one path among many, it is the path of life.

Yeshua, the Word made flesh (John 1:1–3, 14), is the perfect embodiment of this wisdom. When we seek Him, we find life. When we walk in His ways, we walk in wisdom. Proverbs 8 closes with this powerful invitation: “Blessed is the person who listens to me, watching daily at my gates.” Wisdom is not something we learn once and forget—it’s a lifelong pursuit.

Application:
Pause and evaluate: Are you seeking wisdom daily? Are you leaning into God’s voice through His Word, or letting culture and self-desire drown it out?

Wisdom calls—loud and clear. But will you listen? Choose today to pursue God’s wisdom like treasure, honoring what is good and hating what is evil. Ask for discernment to recognize when foolishness disguises itself as truth.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that Your wisdom calls out to me. Teach me to treasure Your voice above all others. Help me hate evil and walk in the fear of the Lord. Let me walk in the path of wisdom that leads to life, through Yeshua, who was with You from the beginning. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Pride, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Temptation/Tempting, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Guard Your Heart Before Temptation Knocks (Proverbs 7)

May 25, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

Temptation doesn’t barge in unannounced—it whispers, flatters, and waits for an open door.

Key Verse:
“Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding your intimate friend; that they may keep you from an adulteress, from the foreigner who flatters with her words.” —Proverbs 7:4–5 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 7 is a father’s passionate plea to his son to pursue wisdom and guard against the seductive pull of sin. Using the vivid story of a young man lured by an adulterous woman, the passage illustrates the deceptive and destructive nature of temptation. It’s not merely about sexual immorality—it’s a warning about all enticements that lead our hearts away from obedience to God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 7

The Wiles of the Harlot

1My son, keep my words
And treasure my commandments within you.

2Keep my commandments and live,
And my teaching as the apple of your eye.

3Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
And call understanding your intimate friend;

5That they may keep you from an adulteress,
From the foreigner who flatters with her words.

6For at the window of my house
I looked out through my lattice,

7And I saw among the naive,
And discerned among the youths
A young man lacking sense,

8Passing through the street near her corner;
And he takes the way to her house,

9In the twilight, in the evening,
In the middle of the night and in the darkness.

10And behold, a woman comes to meet him,
Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart.

11She is boisterous and rebellious,
Her feet do not remain at home;

12She is now in the streets, now in the squares,
And lurks by every corner.

13So she seizes him and kisses him
And with a brazen face she says to him:

14“I was due to offer peace offerings;
Today I have paid my vows.

15“Therefore I have come out to meet you,
To seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you.

16“I have spread my couch with coverings,
With colored linens of Egypt.

17“I have sprinkled my bed
With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

18“Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning;
Let us delight ourselves with caresses.

19“For my husband is not at home,
He has gone on a long journey;

20He has taken a bag of money with him,
At the full moon he will come home.”

21With her many persuasions she entices him;
With her flattering lips she seduces him.

22Suddenly he follows her
As an ox goes to the slaughter,
Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool,

23Until an arrow pierces through his liver;
As a bird hastens to the snare,
So he does not know that it will cost him his life.

24Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,
And pay attention to the words of my mouth.

25Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,
Do not stray into her paths.

26For many are the victims she has cast down,
And numerous are all her slain.

27Her house is the way to Sheol,
Descending to the chambers of death.

Reflection on Proverbs 7:
The proverb opens with urgency: “Keep my words… treasure my commandments… bind them on your fingers… write them on the tablet of your heart.” Why such intensity? Because wisdom isn’t something we stumble into—it must be actively sought and cherished before we find ourselves in moments of testing.

The story that follows shows a young man lacking discernment, wandering near danger, at the wrong place and the wrong time. He doesn’t know he’s being watched—targeted by a woman with crafty intent. Her words are smooth, her promises bold, and her flattery relentless. She speaks of love but leads him to death.

This is how temptation often works. It flatters your ego, appeals to your desires, and disguises consequences behind pleasure. Whether it’s lust, greed, pride, or any sin, the enemy rarely shows up looking dangerous. That’s why Proverbs calls us to bind wisdom to our hearts—because the moment to prepare for temptation is before it appears.

The final verses are sobering: “Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways… her house is the way to Sheol.” This is not just a call to avoid temptation—it’s a call to value God’s wisdom so highly that our hearts are already guarded when sin comes calling.

Application:
Examine the areas in your life where you may be drifting too close to temptation. Are there boundaries you’ve let blur? Begin today by treasuring God’s Word and praying for discernment. Fill your heart with wisdom now, so that when the flatterer comes, your heart won’t be swayed.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me treasure Your wisdom and write Your commands on the tablet of my heart. Teach me to recognize temptation in all its disguises and give me the strength to flee from it. Guard my heart, guide my steps, and let me walk in purity and truth. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Diligent / Hard Worker, Family, Intgegrity / Honesty, Marriage, Parenting, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Sloth / Laziness, Unteachable / Foolish, Wickedness / Evil, Wise

Wisdom for a Life of Integrity (Proverbs 6)

May 18, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

Every action has consequences, and the path of wisdom teaches us to take responsibility, work diligently, speak truthfully, and live with purity.

Key Verse:
“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.” —Proverbs 6:23 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 6 is a rich chapter filled with practical counsel from a father to his son. It covers a variety of topics: avoiding foolish financial entanglements, embracing hard work, guarding against wickedness and deceit, honoring parental instruction, and fleeing sexual immorality. These lessons are not random; they flow from a desire to help the reader live wisely and avoid the destruction that comes from foolish choices. This chapter reminds us that God’s instructions aren’t burdens—they’re safeguards, designed to preserve life and character.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 6

Parental Counsel

1My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor,
Have given a pledge for a stranger,

2If you have been snared with the words of your mouth,
Have been caught with the words of your mouth,

3Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself;
Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor,
Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor.

4Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids;

5Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand
And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6Go to the ant, O sluggard,
Observe her ways and be wise,

7Which, having no chief,
Officer or ruler,

8Prepares her food in the summer
And gathers her provision in the harvest.

9How long will you lie down, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?

10“A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest”—

11Your poverty will come in like a vagabond
And your need like an armed man.

12A worthless person, a wicked man,
Is the one who walks with a perverse mouth,

13Who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet,
Who points with his fingers;

14Who with perversity in his heart continually devises evil,
Who spreads strife.

15Therefore his calamity will come suddenly;
Instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing.

16There are six things which the LORD hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:

17Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,

18A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,

19A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.

20My son, observe the commandment of your father
And do not forsake the teaching of your mother;

21Bind them continually on your heart;
Tie them around your neck.

22When you walk about, they will guide you;
When you sleep, they will watch over you;
And when you awake, they will talk to you.

23For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light;
And reproofs for discipline are the way of life

24To keep you from the evil woman,
From the smooth tongue of the adulteress.

25Do not desire her beauty in your heart,
Nor let her capture you with her eyelids.

26For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread,
And an adulteress hunts for the precious life.

27Can a man take fire in his bosom
And his clothes not be burned?

28Or can a man walk on hot coals
And his feet not be scorched?

29So is the one who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;
Whoever touches her will not go unpunished.

30Men do not despise a thief if he steals
To satisfy himself when he is hungry;

31But when he is found, he must repay sevenfold;
He must give all the substance of his house.

32The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense;
He who would destroy himself does it.

33Wounds and disgrace he will find,
And his reproach will not be blotted out.

34For jealousy enrages a man,
And he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35He will not accept any ransom,
Nor will he be satisfied though you give many gifts.

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Temptation/Tempting, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Steps (Proverbs 5)

May 11, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

Temptation never presents itself as dangerous—it disguises itself as desirable.

Key Verse:
“For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.” —Proverbs 5:3–4 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 5 is a father’s urgent warning to his son against the seduction of adultery and unfaithfulness. It is not just about avoiding sexual sin, but about guarding one’s whole life from the devastating consequences of stepping outside God’s design. The writer exposes how alluring sin can be at first, but then contrasts it with the bitterness, shame, and destruction that follow. This chapter encourages not only abstaining from sin but intentionally choosing to rejoice in God’s provision and design for marriage and purity.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 5

Pitfalls of Immorality

1My son, give attention to my wisdom,
Incline your ear to my understanding;

2That you may observe discretion
And your lips may reserve knowledge.

3For the lips of an adulteress drip honey
And smoother than oil is her speech;

4But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
Sharp as a two-edged sword.

5Her feet go down to death,
Her steps take hold of Sheol.

6She does not ponder the path of life;
Her ways are unstable, she does not know it.

7Now then, my sons, listen to me
And do not depart from the words of my mouth.

8Keep your way far from her
And do not go near the door of her house,

9Or you will give your vigor to others
And your years to the cruel one;

10And strangers will be filled with your strength
And your hard-earned goods will go to the house of an alien;

11And you groan at your final end,
When your flesh and your body are consumed;

12And you say, “How I have hated instruction!
And my heart spurned reproof!

13“I have not listened to the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined my ear to my instructors!

14“I was almost in utter ruin
In the midst of the assembly and congregation.”

15Drink water from your own cistern
And fresh water from your own well.

16Should your springs be dispersed abroad,
Streams of water in the streets?

17Let them be yours alone
And not for strangers with you.

18Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice in the wife of your youth.

19As a loving hind and a graceful doe,
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
Be exhilarated always with her love.

20For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress
And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?

21For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD,
And He watches all his paths.

22His own iniquities will capture the wicked,
And he will be held with the cords of his sin.

23He will die for lack of instruction,
And in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.

Reflection on Proverbs 5:
Solomon opens with a plea: “Give attention to my wisdom… that you may maintain discretion.” The chapter wastes no time showing how sin—specifically adultery—tempts through flattering words and false promises. At first, it seems sweet and smooth, like honey and oil. But sin’s end is bitter, cutting, and deadly.

There’s a clear call to stay far away from temptation. Don’t linger near it. Don’t entertain it. Solomon says, “Do not go near the door of her house.” Why? Because once you entertain sin, it starts costing you—your honor, your years, your peace, even your health.

This isn’t just for married people. The principle applies broadly: stay far from whatever draws your heart away from God’s design for holiness. In contrast to the adulteress, Solomon encourages joy in God’s provision—symbolized here by the blessings of a faithful marriage. He ends with a powerful truth: “The ways of everyone are before the Lord, and He watches all his paths.” Nothing is hidden from Him.

Application:
Sin is most dangerous when it looks harmless or even appealing. Whether it’s lust, greed, bitterness, or pride—don’t flirt with temptation. Don’t “go near the door.” Instead, draw near to God. Guard your heart and be satisfied with what He provides. If you are married, cherish your spouse. If you are single, honor God with purity and prepare your heart for faithfulness. God sees the paths we walk—may we walk in a way that honors Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me recognize temptation for what it really is—deceptive and destructive. Give me wisdom and strength to walk in purity and faithfulness. Let me be satisfied with what You have given and not look to sin for what only You can provide. Thank You for watching over my steps. Guide me in the way everlasting. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Teachable, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

The Treasure of Wisdom (Proverbs 2)

April 20, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

Have you ever found yourself seeking guidance in the midst of life’s complexities? In a world full of noise and temptation, the pursuit of godly wisdom is not optional—it is essential.

Key Verse:
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” —Proverbs 2:6 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs 2 continues Solomon’s instruction to his son and to all who desire to walk in the fear of the Lord. It opens with an impassioned plea to actively seek wisdom—not passively, but as one would pursue hidden treasure. The chapter presents a beautiful progression: those who treasure God’s commandments and diligently seek understanding will find it. And in finding it, they’ll be safeguarded from evil and equipped to walk in righteousness.

This isn’t about intellectual knowledge alone—it’s about a heart aligned with YHWH. Godly wisdom doesn’t just inform the mind; it transforms the life. The promise of protection, discernment, and blessing is extended to those who seek wisdom through obedience and relationship with God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 2

The Pursuit of Wisdom Brings Security

1My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,

2Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;

3For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;

4If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;

5Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.

6For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

8Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.

9Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.

10For wisdom will enter your heart
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

11Discretion will guard you,
Understanding will watch over you,

12To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things;

13From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;

14Who delight in doing evil
And rejoice in the perversity of evil;

15Whose paths are crooked,
And who are devious in their ways;

16To deliver you from the strange woman,
From the adulteress who flatters with her words;

17That leaves the companion of her youth
And forgets the covenant of her God;

18For her house sinks down to death
And her tracks lead to the dead;

19None who go to her return again,
Nor do they reach the paths of life.

20So you will walk in the way of good men
And keep to the paths of the righteous.

21For the upright will live in the land
And the blameless will remain in it;

22But the wicked will be cut off from the land
And the treacherous will be uprooted from it.

Reflection on Proverbs 2:
Solomon compares wisdom to silver and hidden treasure—things that people spend their lives striving after. But while many chase wealth, fame, or worldly knowledge, few pursue the kind of wisdom that leads to life. God’s Word tells us it’s not just available—it’s offered freely to those who ask and seek.

This wisdom does not come from man but from the Lord. It requires reverence, obedience, and a willingness to tune our ears to His voice. When we search with humility and hunger, God promises to answer with truth, clarity, and protection.

Wisdom helps guard us from the influence of the wicked and the lure of sin. It teaches us to recognize deceptive voices, avoid perverse paths, and stay rooted in God’s truth. In a culture that exalts self and excuses sin, Proverbs 2 calls us back to righteousness and purity, reminding us that the upright will dwell securely.

Application:
Take a moment to consider your own pursuit of wisdom. Are you truly seeking understanding and discernment, or are you coasting on your own logic or emotions? Are you investing time in God’s Word and prayer, trusting Him to guide your decisions?

Commit today to pursuing wisdom with intentionality—just as you would chase something of great earthly value. Let His Word dwell in you richly, and let your actions be shaped by obedience to His ways.

Closing Prayer:
Father, I come before You humbly, asking for wisdom. Help me to treasure Your words, to seek Your understanding as one seeks treasure. Let Your knowledge shape my life, guard my path, and guide my heart. Strengthen me to walk in righteousness and avoid the ways of wickedness. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

The Beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-7)

April 12, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

What foundation are you building your life on—worldly knowledge or godly wisdom?

Key Verse:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” —Proverbs 1:7 (NASB)

Background Context:
Proverbs opens with a clear statement of purpose: to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding. Authored primarily by King Solomon, these sayings are intended to help the reader live wisely and justly. The first seven verses serve as an introduction to the entire book, emphasizing that the pursuit of true wisdom begins not with intellect or experience—but with reverence for YHWH.

This “fear of the Lord” is not about being terrified, but about having awe, reverence, and deep respect for God’s authority and holiness. It’s the kind of fear that leads to obedience and humility, acknowledging that God’s ways are higher than our own. Those who reject this fear and rely on their own thinking are considered fools in the biblical sense—people who live as if God does not matter.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 1:1-7

The Usefulness of Proverbs

1The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2To know wisdom and instruction,
To discern the sayings of understanding,

3To receive instruction in wise behavior,
Righteousness, justice and equity;

4To give prudence to the naive,
To the youth knowledge and discretion,

5A wise man will hear and increase in learning,
And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,

6To understand a proverb and a figure,
The words of the wise and their riddles.

7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Reflection on Proverbs 1:1–7:
We live in a world flooded with information but starved for wisdom. There are countless voices telling us how to live, what to value, and who to follow. Yet only one voice—the voice of YHWH—offers wisdom that leads to life.

Solomon reminds us that gaining godly wisdom starts with placing God at the center of our understanding. This requires humility and teachability. It’s not about having all the answers, but about being willing to seek the right One. When we revere the Lord, we value His instruction more than our own opinions or the trends of the day.

Rejecting God’s wisdom isn’t just unwise—it’s dangerous. Fools despise correction, which keeps them on a destructive path. But those who fear the Lord are positioned to grow in discernment, understanding, and blessing.

Application:
Ask yourself today: do I truly fear the Lord? Do I seek His wisdom above all else? Take time to regularly open the book of Proverbs and pray for a teachable heart. Let the fear of the Lord guide your decisions, conversations, and goals. True knowledge starts there—and it’s a foundation that will not fail.

Closing Prayer:
Father, I humble myself before You and ask for wisdom. Teach me to fear You rightly—not with terror, but with awe and reverence. Help me to value Your instruction above my own understanding. Make me wise according to Your Word, and keep me from the foolishness of ignoring Your ways. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Traditions / Holidays, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Don’t Be an April Fool: Embrace Godly Wisdom Over Worldly Folly

April 1, 2025 John (HFJ Director)

As April Fool’s Day approaches, many anticipate a day filled with jests and pranks, reveling in the joy of fooling others and perhaps being fooled themselves.

While this tradition is taken in good humor by many, it presents us with a profound opportunity to reflect—a moment to ponder the distinction between worldly folly and the wisdom found in God’s Word.

Let us delve into the scriptures, drawing upon the rich well of biblical wisdom to navigate our path through not just April, but every month of the year with divine guidance.

Understanding Foolishness Through Scripture

The Bible speaks extensively on the nature of foolishness, contrasting it sharply with the pursuit of wisdom and understanding:

The Denial of God: Psalm 14:1 starkly declares that folly begins with the denial of God’s existence, a path that leads to corruption and moral decay.
The Value of Godly Fear: Proverbs 1:7 teaches us that the fear of the Lord is the starting point of knowledge, a principle fools choose to ignore.
Wisdom Versus Foolishness: Through various proverbs, we’re shown that wisdom is something to be spoken, cherished, and stored up, whereas foolishness leads to ruin, strife, and quick tempers (Proverbs 10:13-14; Proverbs 14:1-3; Proverbs 14:15-18; Proverbs 18:2; Proverbs 20:3; Proverbs 29:11).
The Consequences of Foolishness: Ecclesiastes 4:5 and Ecclesiastes 7:9 caution against laziness and quick anger, highlighting these as markers of folly.
A New Life in Christ: Titus 3:3-11 reminds us of our past foolishness and disobedience, contrasting it with the new life and wisdom we’re called to in Christ, emphasizing the importance of good deeds and avoiding futile disputes.

From Foolishness to Wisdom: A Biblical Journey

April Fool’s Day can serve as a timely reminder for us to assess our walk with God, ensuring that we are not fools in His eyes. The Bible offers a clear directive: to eschew folly and embrace wisdom, understanding, and fear of the Lord. It’s an invitation to live a life marked by discernment, patience, and a commitment to follow God’s ways.

A Call to Action: Seeking God’s Wisdom

In light of this, let us commit to a daily pursuit of wisdom, choosing to seek guidance and understanding from Scripture rather than following the fleeting and often misguided traditions of men. Let April be a month where we deepen our understanding of what it means to truly walk in wisdom, setting an example for others to follow.

Prayer for Wisdom

Father in Heaven, as we navigate the complexities of this world, we ask for Your divine wisdom to guide us. Help us to recognize the folly that surrounds us and to seek the profound wisdom found in Your Word. May our hearts be open to Your teachings, and our lives reflect the wisdom that leads to life eternal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Consequences of Sin, Discipline / Guidance From God, Idols / False Gods, Repenting from Sin, Unteachable / Foolish, Wickedness / Evil, Wise, Worldliness

The Consequences of Rejecting God’s Knowledge (Hosea 4)

October 10, 2024 John (HFJ Director)

What happens when we reject God’s truth and follow our own way?

Hosea 4 paints a sobering picture of the consequences of turning away from God’s knowledge and choosing to live according to our own desires.

Key Verse: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” – Hosea 4:6 (NIV)

Background Context: Hosea 4 marks a shift in tone from the preceding chapters, moving from the personal story of Hosea’s marriage as a symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness to a direct confrontation of Israel’s sins. God brings a formal charge against the nation of Israel, exposing their moral and spiritual corruption. The leaders, the priests, and the people have all turned away from God, leading to widespread sin, idolatry, and destruction. This chapter serves as a warning of the consequences of rejecting God’s knowledge and ignoring His laws. Yet, it also points to the importance of repentance and returning to the Lord.

Hosea 4

God’s Controversy with Israel

1Listen to the word of the LORD, O sons of Israel,
For the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land,
Because there is no faithfulness or kindness
Or knowledge of God in the land.

2There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing and adultery.
They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed.

3Therefore the land mourns,
And everyone who lives in it languishes
Along with the beasts of the field and the birds of the sky,
And also the fish of the sea disappear.

4Yet let no one find fault, and let none offer reproof;
For your people are like those who contend with the priest.

5So you will stumble by day,
And the prophet also will stumble with you by night;
And I will destroy your mother.

6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being My priest.
Since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.

7The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me;
I will change their glory into shame.

8They feed on the sin of My people
And direct their desire toward their iniquity.

9And it will be, like people, like priest;
So I will punish them for their ways
And repay them for their deeds.

10They will eat, but not have enough;
They will play the harlot, but not increase,
Because they have stopped giving heed to the LORD.

11Harlotry, wine and new wine take away the understanding.

12My people consult their wooden idol, and their diviner’s wand informs them;
For a spirit of harlotry has led them astray,
And they have played the harlot, departing from their God.

13They offer sacrifices on the tops of the mountains
And burn incense on the hills,
Under oak, poplar and terebinth,
Because their shade is pleasant.
Therefore your daughters play the harlot
And your brides commit adultery.

14I will not punish your daughters when they play the harlot
Or your brides when they commit adultery,
For the men themselves go apart with harlots
And offer sacrifices with temple prostitutes;
So the people without understanding are ruined.

15Though you, Israel, play the harlot,
Do not let Judah become guilty;
Also do not go to Gilgal,
Or go up to Beth-aven
And take the oath:
“As the LORD lives!”

16Since Israel is stubborn
Like a stubborn heifer,
Can the LORD now pasture them
Like a lamb in a large field?

17Ephraim is joined to idols;
Let him alone.

18Their liquor gone,
They play the harlot continually;
Their rulers dearly love shame.

19The wind wraps them in its wings,
And they will be ashamed because of their sacrifices.

Reflection on Hosea 4:

A Nation Without Truth, Love, or Knowledge of God: The chapter opens with God’s indictment against Israel: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1). This statement sets the stage for the rest of the chapter. The absence of truth, love, and knowledge of God has led to moral decay. When a society rejects God’s truth and neglects a relationship with Him, chaos and corruption follow. We see this in our world today—when God’s values are replaced by human desires, the result is a breakdown in relationships, justice, and peace. This verse calls us to examine whether we are prioritizing God’s truth, love, and knowledge in our own lives. Are we living according to God’s principles, or are we following the world’s standards?
The Dangers of Ignoring God’s Knowledge: Verse 6 is one of the most well-known verses in Hosea: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” The word “knowledge” here refers not just to intellectual understanding but to a deep, relational knowledge of God and His ways. The people are not destroyed because they are unintelligent but because they have willfully rejected God’s truth and guidance. This has led them to spiritual blindness and moral collapse. God’s truth is not optional for a healthy society or a vibrant spiritual life—it is foundational. Rejecting God’s knowledge results in destruction, both individually and corporately. This challenges us to prioritize God’s Word and seek a deep understanding of His character and will. Are we growing in our knowledge of God, or are we neglecting His truth?
The Failure of Spiritual Leaders: God specifically condemns the priests and spiritual leaders of Israel for failing to teach His laws and for leading the people astray (Hosea 4:4-9). The priests, who were supposed to guide the people in righteousness, were themselves caught up in sin and idolatry. As a result, the people followed their example and were led into deeper rebellion against God. This highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to live lives of integrity and faithfully teach God’s Word. When leaders fail, the consequences are severe, affecting the entire community. Whether we are in a position of leadership or not, we are all called to be examples of faithfulness and truth in our own spheres of influence. Are we leading others closer to God, or are we stumbling blocks on their path?
The Consequences of Idolatry and Immorality: The chapter goes on to describe the rampant idolatry and immorality in the land (Hosea 4:10-14). The people have turned to pagan worship practices, which include temple prostitution and drunkenness. This behavior has not only led them away from God but has also degraded their moral character. God’s description of their behavior as “a spirit of prostitution” (Hosea 4:12) indicates that their unfaithfulness is not just a matter of actions but a heart issue. They have given their hearts to false gods and worldly pleasures rather than to the Lord. Idolatry today may look different, but the heart issue is the same. Anything we put above God—whether it be money, relationships, power, or entertainment—becomes an idol and leads us away from true worship. We must guard our hearts against anything that competes with God’s rightful place in our lives.
God’s Desire for Repentance and Restoration: Despite the harsh warnings in this chapter, God’s ultimate desire is for His people to repent and return to Him. The severity of His judgment is meant to wake them up to the reality of their sin and the depth of their need for Him. God’s heart is not to destroy but to restore. When we see the consequences of sin in our own lives, it is an opportunity to turn back to God, repent, and seek His forgiveness and restoration. No matter how far we have strayed, God’s grace is available to bring us back into relationship with Him.

Summary Key Points:

The Absence of God Leads to Destruction: A lack of faithfulness, love, and knowledge of God results in moral and spiritual decay. God’s truth is foundational for a healthy society and a flourishing life.
The Importance of Knowing God: True knowledge of God goes beyond intellect—it is a deep relationship with Him. When we reject God’s truth, we open ourselves up to destruction and spiritual blindness.
The Responsibility of Spiritual Leaders: Spiritual leaders are called to live in integrity and guide others in God’s truth. Failure to do so leads the community into greater sin and rebellion.
Idolatry and Immorality Are Heart Issues: Idolatry is not just about external actions but about the condition of our hearts. We must guard against anything that takes God’s place in our lives.
God’s Desire for Repentance and Restoration: Even in judgment, God’s goal is restoration. He calls us to repent and return to Him, offering forgiveness and the opportunity for a restored relationship.

Application: Reflect on your own relationship with God. Are you growing in your knowledge of Him and His Word, or have you been neglecting your time with Him? Take time to prioritize studying Scripture and spending time in prayer, asking God to deepen your understanding of His truth. Examine your life for any areas where you have allowed idols to take root—whether it be possessions, relationships, or personal ambitions. Confess these to God and ask Him to help you restore Him to His rightful place in your heart. If you are in a position of influence or leadership, consider how you are leading others. Are you setting an example of faithfulness and truth? Commit to being a godly influence in the lives of those around you, pointing them to God’s love and truth.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging our need for Your truth and guidance. Forgive us for the times we have neglected Your Word and turned to other things. Help us to grow in our knowledge of You and to walk in faithfulness and love. Keep us from the deceitfulness of idols and draw us back to You whenever we stray. May we be people who seek after You with our whole hearts and reflect Your truth to the world around us. Thank You for Your grace and for the opportunity to return to You, no matter how far we have wandered. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Obeying God, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Submitted / Servant, Unteachable / Foolish

A Call to Worship and Obedience: Hearing God’s Voice Today (Psalm 95)

September 14, 2024 John (HFJ Director)

How often do we pause to reflect on the greatness of God and allow His voice to guide us?

In Psalm 95, we are called not only to worship God with joy and thanksgiving but also to listen to His voice and respond with obedience.

Key Verse: “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Psalm 95:6-8 (ESV)

Background Context: Psalm 95 is both a hymn of joyful worship and a solemn warning. It begins with an exuberant call to praise God for His greatness as Creator and Sustainer, and it emphasizes the joy of coming into His presence with thanksgiving. However, the second half of the psalm shifts to a sobering reminder of the importance of listening to God’s voice and obeying Him. The psalmist points to the example of the Israelites in the wilderness who hardened their hearts and faced God’s judgment as a result. The message is clear: worship must be more than an outward act; it must involve a heart that is responsive to God.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 95

Praise to the LORD, and Warning against Unbelief.

1O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.

2Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

3For the LORD is a great God
And a great King above all gods,

4In whose hand are the depths of the earth,
The peaks of the mountains are His also.

5The sea is His, for it was He who made it,
And His hands formed the dry land.

6Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

7For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you would hear His voice,

8Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
As in the day of Massah in the wilderness,

9“When your fathers tested Me,
They tried Me, though they had seen My work.

10“For forty years I loathed that generation,
And said they are a people who err in their heart,
And they do not know My ways.

11“Therefore I swore in My anger,
Truly they shall not enter into My rest.”

Reflection on Psalm 95:

A Call to Joyful Worship: The psalm begins with a passionate invitation to worship God with joyful singing, thanksgiving, and praise (Psalm 95:1-2). We are reminded of God’s greatness, both as the Creator of the universe and as our personal Shepherd (Psalm 95:3-5). Worship is not simply a ritual but a joyful response to the majesty and goodness of God. When we come into His presence, it is an opportunity to reflect on who He is and express our gratitude for all He has done.
The Posture of Worship: Verse 6 calls us to “worship and bow down” and “kneel before the Lord, our Maker.” This posture of humility acknowledges God’s authority and our dependence on Him. True worship involves both an outward expression of reverence and an inward heart of submission. Bowing down symbolizes our recognition that God is not only our Creator but also the One who sustains us, cares for us, and deserves our complete trust and obedience.
The Voice of God: After the call to worship, the psalmist shifts to a more sobering tone, urging us to listen to God’s voice: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalm 95:7-8). This warning echoes the story of the Israelites in the wilderness, who hardened their hearts despite seeing God’s miraculous works. They tested and doubted God, which led to their wandering and ultimate judgment (Psalm 95:9-11). The lesson is clear: God speaks to us today, and we must respond to His voice with obedience and faith, not rebellion or doubt.
A Warning Against Hard Hearts: The Israelites’ failure to trust God in the wilderness serves as a stark warning for us. They hardened their hearts, refusing to trust God’s promises, and as a result, they missed out on entering the “rest” that God had promised them (Psalm 95:11). This rest symbolizes both physical rest in the Promised Land and spiritual rest in God’s presence. Today, we are invited to enter God’s rest through faith in Christ, but this requires us to listen to God’s voice and respond in obedience, rather than hardening our hearts in unbelief.
The Urgency of “Today”: The word “today” in verse 7 carries urgency. It reminds us that listening to God’s voice and responding to His call is not something to be delayed. Each day presents a fresh opportunity to hear from God, to turn our hearts toward Him, and to live in obedience. The call to “not harden your hearts” is a challenge to be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and to respond immediately when God speaks.

Summary Key Points:

Joyful Worship and Reverence: We are called to come before God with joyful praise and humble reverence, recognizing Him as our Creator and Shepherd.
Listening to God’s Voice: Worship is not complete without a heart that listens to and obeys God. When God speaks, we must not harden our hearts but respond with faith and obedience.
The Warning of a Hardened Heart: The example of the Israelites in the wilderness serves as a warning about the dangers of hardening our hearts and resisting God’s voice.
The Urgency of Today: We must be attentive to God’s voice today, not delaying our response. The call to obedience and trust in God is immediate and ongoing.

Application: Reflect on your approach to worship—are you coming before God with joy, reverence, and gratitude? Consider the ways God might be speaking to you today. Are you listening to His voice, or are there areas in your life where you have hardened your heart? Take time to pray and ask God to soften your heart so that you may respond in obedience and faith. Remember that God’s call is urgent—today is the day to listen to His voice and follow Him wholeheartedly.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts of praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging Your greatness and majesty. Help us to worship You with both joyful hearts and humble spirits. Teach us to listen to Your voice and respond in obedience, not hardening our hearts but trusting in Your wisdom and grace. May we hear Your call today and walk faithfully with You, entering into the rest You have promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Sharing God's word through devotionals and other resources. Helping you study the Bible and apply it to your life. Helping young children to enjoy the Bible at our Kid Zone.

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Understanding Foolishness Through Scripture

From Foolishness to Wisdom: A Biblical Journey

A Call to Action: Seeking God’s Wisdom

Prayer for Wisdom

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Sharing God's word through devotionals and other resources. Helping you study the Bible and apply it to your life. Helping young children to enjoy the Bible at our Kid Zone.