Proverbs 24:7-9 (ESV)
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool;
in the gate he does not open his mouth.
8 Whoever plans to do evil
will be called a schemer.
9 The devising of folly is sin,
and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.
According to Saying 23, when in the gate, the place where leaders of the community made decisions for the welfare of its citizens, the fool has nothing substantial to say. Lacking humility and an others-oriented focus, the fool is unable to think through Scripture and determine what would be best for society. Saying 24 reveals that the fool is not necessarily stupid as she plots and plans, but her goals are selfish. She manipulates circumstances so that she will come out on top, even at the expense of everyone around her. In time, the community becomes aware of her ploys, as she repeats the same patterns again and again. Scandal follows the schemer wherever she goes. If you are the woman who drags others down to elevate yourself, repent today. Get your heart right before the Lord. God cares very much about communities of people and will not suffer long with the one who cannot get along with the rest of the world.