**The Tale of Two Fields: A Story of Wisdom and Folly**
In the rolling hills of Judah, where the sun painted golden streaks across the fields and the olive trees whispered in the breeze, there lived two farmers—Abijah and Nadab. Their lands lay side by side, divided only by a narrow path, yet the state of their fields and the condition of their hearts could not have been more different.
Abijah was a man who revered the Lord, his heart rooted in wisdom like a tree planted by streams of water. Each morning, before the first light touched the earth, he rose to pray, seeking the guidance of the Almighty. His hands were calloused from labor, but his spirit was tender toward instruction. He knew the truth of the proverb: *”Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid”* (Proverbs 12:1).
Nadab, however, was a man of hasty words and impatient hands. He scoffed at advice, believing his own way superior. When the village elders warned him to mend the crumbling wall around his field, he waved them off. “I know what I’m doing!” he snapped. His lips were quick to boast, but his work was slothful and careless.
### **The Plowing Season**
When the time came to plow the fields, Abijah prepared diligently. He sharpened his tools, repaired his oxen’s yoke, and sought the counsel of seasoned farmers. He worked steadily, his rows straight and deep, ensuring the soil would yield its best. His wife, Miriam, often brought him cool water and bread, and together they thanked God for His provision.
Nadab, in contrast, rushed through his labor. He left stones unturned and weeds tangled in the soil. “Why waste time on perfection?” he muttered. “The rain will do the rest.” His field was uneven, his work half-hearted.
### **The Seeds Sown**
As the planting season arrived, Abijah chose the finest seed—carefully stored from the previous harvest. He sowed with purpose, covering each kernel with rich soil, trusting the Lord to bring the increase. His children followed behind him, learning the value of patience and diligence.
Nadab, however, scattered his seed recklessly. Some fell on the path, some among thorns, and only a little in good ground. He laughed when his neighbor took such care. “You worry too much, Abijah! The land will feed us regardless.”
### **The Harvest of Words**
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the villagers gathered at the well. Abijah spoke gently, offering kindness even to those who disagreed with him. *”The words of the wise bring healing, but the tongue of the fool invites ruin”* (Proverbs 12:18). His speech was like honeycomb—sweet to the soul and health to the bones.
Nadab, however, dominated the conversation with loud opinions and crude jokes. When a young man asked for advice, Nadab mocked him. “Figure it out yourself!” His words were like thorns, scratching at those around him.
### **The Storms of Testing**
Then came the season of rains—gentle at first, then fierce. The winds howled, and the skies unleashed torrents. Abijah’s field, well-tended and fortified, held firm. His crops drank deeply, their roots anchored in good soil.
But Nadab’s field was ravaged. The shallow soil washed away, his seeds exposed and stolen by birds. The broken wall let in wild boars, which trampled what remained. As he stood in the wreckage, his heart burned with anger—not at himself, but at the heavens. “Why has this happened to me?” he raged.
### **The Reaping of Consequences**
When harvest came, Abijah’s barns overflowed. He gave generously to the poor and hosted a feast for the village, praising God for His faithfulness. *”The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray”* (Proverbs 12:26). His life was a testament to wisdom.
Nadab’s storehouse was empty. His family went hungry, and his pride withered like a plucked weed. In his despair, he finally sought Abijah’s counsel.
“Brother,” Abijah said gently, “the Lord disciplines those He loves. Turn to Him, and He will restore you.”
For the first time, Nadab listened. He fell to his knees and repented of his folly. And though the road to restoration was long, the seeds of wisdom—once scorned—now took root in his heart.
### **The Lesson of the Two Fields**
And so the people of Judah remembered: *”In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality”* (Proverbs 12:28). The wise flourish like a well-watered garden, but the foolish reap only thorns.
Thus, the tale of Abijah and Nadab was told for generations—a living parable of the choice between wisdom and folly, between the blessing of diligence and the ruin of pride. And those who had ears to hear took heed.
