The whole point of the book of Proverbs is to impart wisdom to its readers. That’s why it begins with, “To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,” and also, “To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion” (Proverbs 1:2-4). In that spirit, our verse for today imparts some wisdom to us. It imparts some wisdom on how to get wisdom.
What does it mean to be wise from the point of view of Proverbs? And what does it mean to be a fool? The answer to these questions can be found in what is probably the most important verse in the book and one of the most important verses in the Bible: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). The truly wise person knows who God is and reveres His word and His ways. The truly wise person knows that one must love God, serve Him, and do things the way God wants.
The fool, on the other hand, is the person who says in his heart, ‘”There is no God”‘ (Psalm 14:1). Hence, he has no regard for the wisdom of God. Indeed, he despises divine wisdom and instruction. Since he has rejected God, he makes a point of living life in opposition to the will and ways of God.
Our verse for today tells us that those who walk with wise people will become wise and also tells us that the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Look around you today. Where are the wise and where are the fools? And then walk with the wise.