Overall: Both wisdom and foolishness are trying to draw in people who are ignorant (verses 4,16). The voice of foolishness in the world will often seem louder and more attractive (verses 13,17) than the voice of wisdom, which asks us to repent of sin and receive correction (verse 6). But choosing to listen to wisdom is always better!
Verses 1-6
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Verse 1. Wisdom is like a complete, well-built house. It can be trusted to bring you sustenance and shelter when you need it. Trust the Word!
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Verse 5. Choosing wisdom will bring refreshment to your life, like a hot meal.
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Wisdom means stopping foolish behavior. Stop foolish behaviors if you want to become wise.
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Verse 7-12
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Do not try to give advice to people that mock Scripture or wise counsel. This is wasted work and will do more harm than good.
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Verse 10. Remember that the fear of God is the foundation of wisdom. If a person does not fear God, they will not be able to receive godly advice.
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Instead, focus first on giving advice to people that you know will value it—that have some respect for wisdom or Scripture. This will bring great gain to them and be more productive for you.
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Verses 11-12. Even if others do not receive wisdom from you, remember that wisdom will benefit your own life greatly!
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But if you, like others who reject wisdom, do not receive godly advice, you will suffer the most for it.
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Verses 13-18
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Foolish people make a lot of noise, but they are ignorant.
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Do not listen to the opinions of the world.
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Verses 16-18. Foolish people believe and try to say that life is better when you sin.
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Do not believe this, because choosing foolishness and sin always leads to death.
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