Proverbs 14:16-18 (ESV)

16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,

but a fool is reckless and careless.

17 A man of quick temper acts foolishly,

and a man of evil devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly,

but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

The fool doesn’t think about the consequences of her actions. She makes decisions based on how she feels and what brings her pleasure. But the wise woman fears the Lord and humbly considers what God desires. The evil woman can be angry and impulsive, or calculated and manipulative. The former explodes when things don’t go her way, determined to ruin those whom she considers obstacles. The latter keeps her cool, appearing levelheaded, but inwardly she’s scheming to harm others. Those who accept what they hear without careful thought become fools, but the wise are determined to get more wisdom and are therefore rewarded. When things don’t go your way, do you respond like the hot-head, devising ways to harm those with whom you are at odds? If you rejoice at the thought of evil befalling your enemy, ask God instead to grace you with his love for her, praying that God would draw her to himself today.