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Is it Possible to Sin Against Wisdom?

Q: Thank you for teaching us from the book of Proverbs at Conduit yesterday! We are studying the book of Proverbs in our Women’s Bible Study as well. You mentioned in your sermon that we can “sin” against wisdom. Could you clarify and expound what you meant by that statement (if I heard it correctly).

Summary

Proverbs presents wisdom as a clear choice between two ways of living. One way leads toward righteousness, life, and favor from the Lord. The other leads toward wickedness, destruction, and death.

In Proverbs 8:35–36, Solomon says that whoever finds wisdom finds life. But whoever sins against wisdom injures himself. Dr. Michael Easley explains that “sin” in this passage carries the idea of missing the mark. When we miss wisdom, we hurt ourselves. God makes wisdom available, but we can choose to ignore it.

Proverbs repeatedly personifies wisdom as a woman calling people to follow her. Proverbs 31 continues that picture by showing what wisdom looks like in everyday life. The virtuous woman works diligently, cares for her family, speaks wisely, and looks confidently toward the future. She is not a picture of an impossible standard for women. She illustrates what a life shaped by wisdom looks like.

Wisdom changes how we work, speak, love, and live. Most importantly, wisdom gives us confidence about tomorrow. The future may feel uncertain and frightening, but those who follow God’s wisdom can smile at it because they know who holds the future. The question is simple: Will you pursue wisdom, or will you miss it?

Takeaways:

• Wisdom is available to us, but we can choose to miss it.
• When we reject wisdom, we ultimately injure ourselves.
• Proverbs presents life as a choice between two ways: wisdom or wickedness.
• Proverbs 31 illustrates what a life shaped by wisdom looks like.
• Biblical wisdom affects how we work, speak, love, and treat others.
• We can smile at the future because God—not our circumstances—is in control.

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If you’ve got a question for Dr. Easley, call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.