Wisdom and Folly

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
- Proverbs 9:4&16

Have you ever had a thought go through your head that stopped you in your tracks? A thought that left you contemplating, “Where in the world did that come from?”

I believe in every minute of every day we have up to 4 voices in our head. All speak in the first person. Every thought begins with a version of “I should…” or “I will…” or “I want…” or “I…”. But most people think the only voice in their head is their own.

There is no doubt the first voice is my own. And unfortunately, I tend to be obsessed with it. I also know there are many times in my life God has spoken to me. Not once has He begun with an audible voice from the heavens declaring, “Warren, this is God!” Yet, I know I have experienced His word in my mind and life in very real ways. However, there is a third voice. It also shares in thoughts that begin with “I”, and it is from the evil one. Neither does he announce himself by saying, “Warren, this is Satan!”

Everyday, all three are throwing thoughts into my mind for consideration. The reality has been illustrated ad nauseam in popular media with the iconic image of a man with an angel and devil on his shoulders. This is not a recent illustration. In Proverbs 9, we are introduced to the way of Wisdom and the way of Folly. What is interesting is they both speak in the same voice. In verse 4, Wisdom says, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And then offers sound advice. In verse 16, Folly says the exact same thing and offers corruptible advice. And thus is the way of the Deceiver.

As spiritual creations, the Spirit speaks to our mind. But so do the spirits of deception. This is why Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5, we are to “bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” He also tells us in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

We are not meant to take our thoughts as they flow through our heads. For Wisdom and Folly are constantly calling us simple minded creatures to “turn in here.” We are to take captive our thoughts. Align them with God’s word, and only follow through or give freedom to those thoughts that come from Wisdom—the Lord.

There is nothing we can do to stop a thought entering our head. Whatever you do, DON’T think about a red faced monkey with purple hair and a banana stuck in its ear. You couldn’t even understand that sentence without having the thought. The world is the fourth voice that cast thoughts into our minds as I just did.

Having a thought is meaningless. Giving the the thought residence in our mind, contemplation in our heart and action in our being; that is of consequence.

It is why Paul talks about the importance of the mind in every single book he authored in the Bible. And his advice is sound, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

My challenge this week is to spend time thinking about what I’m thinking about. Take every thought captive. Compare it with the word of God and only hold to those thoughts which are in obedience with Christ. To be transformed through the renewing of my mind. And to meditate on the One Voice in my head that is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy.

© 2026 Warren Martin. All rights Reserved.