Two voices call out to us along our way: Wisdom and Folly. They each promise us something better, something we lack, something we desire. Yet it is not in their promises that we find their differences, but in the substance of their offers.

Folly appeals to our pride, our impatience, and our greed. It leads us to sacrifice our family and the well-being of others in the pursuit of wealth and power. It encourages us to threaten the lives and livelihoods of those who would interfere with our ambitions. It would have us deceive, distract, and demean to see what we desire come to pass. It is weak, afraid, and jealous.

Wisdom appeals to our humility, our discipline, and our contentment. It leads us to value people over profit, truth over power, and integrity over influence. It encourages us to lose what is lesser to gain or retain what is greater. It makes us content even in lack, unwilling to accept anything that is gained by wickedness.

Two voices call out to us along our way: Wisdom and Folly. Which will we pursue? Whose message will we share?