Proverbs 9:12 (ESV)
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
I know I have read this verse hundreds of times but I have either been too dull or too distracted or too old to remember it and to grasp it. What the verse tells us is that wisdom is a solitary function that we can use. It doesn't help God any. It is for us to use. Man thinks the more wisdom he attains the more valuable that makes him to God. This verse implies that it does not add to my value in relationship with God. It also implies that my wisdom can't necessarily help and add benefit to others. The only way it benefits them is if they are willing to apply the wisdom someone may offer. Otherwise the wisdom of one only benefits the one. The key is to learn wisdom and use it to follow God. But, the wisdom itself is solely for my benefit. My wisdom can't help others or be transferred to them unless they are willing to apply the wisdom themselves and follow the steps of wisdom in Scripture. Chapter nine is a warning to listen to wisdom and to not scoff at it. We bear the results of our attitude toward listening to wisdom, or scoffing it away. Those who make poor choices are scoffing at wisdom. They, therefore, alone, must bear it. Rejection of truth produces harm in our lives. It is interesting that when we choose wisdom, we, ALONE, can enjoy it. When we reject wisdom, we ALONE, suffer for it. However, we also have a corporate aspect of our choices. Mothers, fathers, leaders, etc. all have to make choices and those decisions impact others. We can’t make others hear our wisdom or make decisions based upon our wisdom. But, OUR choices can put others in a better place to hear the wisdom God gives us. A parent who makes wise choices can impact their entire family.
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