Proverbs 9 - The Invitation Of Wisdom Series

Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Nine

We will now look at Proverbs chapter nine:

Wisdom and Folly are portrayed in this chapter as rival young women, each preparing a feast and inviting people to it. But Wisdom is a responsible woman of character, while Folly is a prostitute serving stolen food. Wisdom appeals to the mind; Folly to the senses. It is easier to excite the senses, but the pleasures of Folly are temporary. By contrast, the satisfaction that Wisdom brings lasts forever.

THE INVITATION OF WISDOM

1 Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; 2 She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city, 4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 5 "Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding. 7 "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. 8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone."

Proverbs 9:1-12 (NKJV)

Wisdom dwells in a house and not a tent. A house is intended to be much more permanent than a tent. A tent is designed to be a temporary shelter that can be moved from place to place. The house has a foundation which is to be solid. From it seven pillars are constructed. Pillars are strong and sturdy. There is much debate as to what the seven pillars refer to – I know that that seven, (in the Bible) represents completeness or fullness. If you follow God’s wisdom – your life will be full.

A banquet is here prepared. The meat has been slaughtered – the wine is ready. This passage of scripture reminds me of Luke chapter fourteen where Jesus describes a banquet in one of His parables. Many are invited – but few will attend. Jesus taught:

"A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' Still another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.' And the servant said, 'Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.' Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.' " Luke 14:16-24 (NKJV)

Many may intend to go to the banquet, but they never make it because they get sidetracked by other activities that seem more important at the time. Don't let anything become more important than your search for God's wisdom.

In verse four we find a special invitation given to those who are simple and lack understanding. Wisdom’s desire is to teach them – instruct them – and provide a full life.

The Message Bibles says:

"Are you confused about life, don't know what's going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me! I've prepared a wonderful spread—fresh-baked bread, roast lamb, carefully selected wines. Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning." Proverbs 9:4-6 (MSG)

Are you a foolish person or a wise person? You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of replying with a quick put-down or clever retort when rebuked, listen to what is being said. Learn from your critics; this is the path to wisdom. This is what verses seven and eight are teaching. A foolish person is quick to snap back when criticized – rather than giving an evaluation to the remarks.