The crown of the wise is their riches,
but the folly of fools is foolishness.

Proverbs 14:24

In the game of baseball, a batter is usually given seven opportunities from the opposing pitcher to hit a fair ball (the ball is hit within the lines of play). The batter is given four “balls” (bad pitches that the batter doesn’t swing at) and three strikes. If a batter accumulates the three strikes before he hits the ball or before the pitcher throws four balls; then that batter ‘strikes out!’ and costs his team one out in that inning. 

Now the pitcher’s throws are supposed to cross anywhere within or around home plate. There is a sweet spot called the strike zone. The pitcher wants his pitch to be close enough to the strike zone, but not too close so that the batter will swing and miss; that is called a ‘strike.’ Or the pitcher wants to throw the ball with such velocity that even though it is thrown right in the middle of the strike zone, the batter can’t hit it; that is called a fast ball and often results in a strike. Today, some pitchers can throw that ‘fast ball’ over 100mph! 

Look at our verse for today; “the folly of fools is foolishness.” 

Three strikes…and the batter is out!

Basically, in the Bible when God repeats Himself about one of His truths in a short space, He really means what He means! (Actually, God always means what He means, but His repeats are there so that we can’t miss them and are then without excuse!) And what He is telling us is that there is no good end for a fool! None! Zero!

In a preceding verse, we see what is the beginning of foolishness: “the naïve”!

The naïve inherit foolishness,
but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

Proverbs 14:18

What an interesting description! Usually we think of an inheritance as something of value. But, God says, a naïve person will only inherit foolishness. And what is the end of foolishness…Nothing!

But what is the end of a wise person, of a sensible person? They are crowned…hear that? They are crowned with knowledge and with riches!  Such a better end result!

Do you know the phrase, “A fool and his money are soon parted.”? This phrase is not specifically found in the Bible, but the principle surely is found right here in the book of Proverbs!

Don’t strike out in the bottom of the ninth inning with bases loaded and two outs! Keep “the folly of fools is foolishness” far from your life’s box and hit a home run for God’s Glory!

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.
It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Colossians 3:23-24