Proverbs 17:23-24 (ESV)
23 The wicked accepts a bribe in secret
to pervert the ways of justice.
24 The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,
but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
Those who are evil use bribery to get what they want. They aren’t concerned with fairness, but instead, make sure decisions go in their favor. To maintain their reputation, they keep their bribes hidden, so that none but the parties involved know what transpired. The foolish woman desires things that are unrealistic and unattainable, like “the ends of the earth.” Her focus is not on her home, workplace, community, and church. Instead, she sees herself as superior to the average person, navigating life by her own set of rules. But the wise woman is a team player. She thinks about how she can glorify God in the arenas of life he has called her to. What are your short and long-term goals? Are they attainable? There’s nothing wrong with determination, but if we make our ambitions too lofty, we end up accomplishing nothing. The long run is a series of small steps. Challenge yourself within reason today.