Proverbs 29:3
3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. (NIV)
The second half of today’s verse probably does not need much explanation.
Getting prostitutes is not the best way to spend money.
For starters, they can be expensive up front. If they are not expensive up front, and even if they are, they could be even more expensive later.
You may need to also pay for:
- Divorce
- Counseling
- Medical needs
- Medication for said needs
- Reputation
- and much, much more!
Your wealth could be squandered very quickly with prostitutes.
A Happy Father
Wisdom is always the better choice.
It could make you rich, if you are wise with money, but there is no guarantee of that.
It will usually keep you out of trouble (though wicked people often find a way to bring you trouble!)
It is probably true with most parents, but I know when I made wise decisions those were the times my father was the most proud of me.
The satisfaction I think we should all strive for, though, is higher than that.
Solomon became king of Israel at a very young age, and God gave him the chance to ask for anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom.
How did God respond? 1 Kings 3:10 tells us:
“The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.”
How amazing would it be to know our Heavenly Father, the God, Creator, and Savior of all creation, was happy with us?
Heavenly Father, give your servants discerning hearts to govern our lives and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours, but You?
December 11th, 2013 at 7:13 am
There was a reason in ancient times for having the numerous wives and concubines Solomon was purported to have had according to the Bible. A concubine was not considered to be a harlot.
Regards and good will blogging.
December 11th, 2013 at 10:50 am
You are correct, but I would add that it was his multiple wives that contributed to Solomon’s downfall. “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.” – 1 Kings 11:4 KJV
I would suggest that as wise as Solomon was, he neglected to follow his own wisdom. In other words, I believe he knew better, but had a thing for skirts (a serious temptation the Enemy often exploits).
December 11th, 2013 at 1:56 pm
Five years ago, I would have concurred with you. But after studying his teachings while writing a novel about him, I really believe that later writers judged him too harshly. And, they wrote about him hundreds of years after his passing, and quite possibly at that time, the more Orthodox side of their views were more e prevalent in regards to their beliefs about being the chosen people. This is my personal interpretation, and who knows for sure, only his maker.
Regards and good will blogging
As a Lily Among Thorns by Rudy U Martinka
December 11th, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Thanks for taking the time (and being concerned enough) to comment.
December 11th, 2013 at 6:20 pm
I enjoy comparing ancient issues to today by discerning wise sayings and proverbs. Nothing is really new under the sun.
Thanks for you time and interest.