"The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. 'Let all who are simple come in here!' she says to those who lack judgment. 'Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!' But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave." -- Proverbs 9:13-18

The writer of this Proverb gives us a contrast to Wisdom (cf. Proverbs 4) who is also personified as a woman, but one of esteem and respect.  This one is Folly, and she is dangerous.  She lures the unsuspecting and unaware into a life that leads to death.  It might be that sometimes, ignorance is bliss, but this text would tell us to to at least be aware of Folly's characteristics so as not to be ensnared.  To live a life of folly doesn't mean to live one that is fun and exciting, as you can do that with wisdom too.  Rather, to live a life of folly is to live the undisciplined life, without learning lessons along the way, and without putting effort into work.  It's marked by making poor decisions day after day after day.  To avoid Folly, live a disciplined life (you're already a disciplined reader!) and you will find blessings in abundance.  Give time each day to learning and living for God, filling your time with constructive work and making sure you allow for learning and development.  Enjoy the people you love and laugh with them.  Celebrate along the way.  Live your days like this, and you won't even hear Folly's voice.  She'll just be shouting  into the wind.

Readings:  Leviticus 1:1-3:17; Mark 1:29-2:12; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 9:13-18