This chapter of Proverbs continues with a discussion of the nature and ways of Wisdom (and later contrasts it with those of Folly). You can imagine the spirits of Wisdom and Folly going here and there throughout the town competing for the souls of men and women and calling for us to listen to them. This brings to mind the image of the angel on one side of our shoulder and the devil on the other, each trying to convince us to follow their direction.
1. The House of Wisdom. Wisdom "has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars" (Proverbs 9:1 ESV). Her table is prepared and she has sent out her young women to call from the highest places of the town, offering free bread and mixed wine (Proverbs 9:3-5 ESV). Her call to men is "[l]eave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight" (Proverbs 9:6 ESV). There are parallels here with the parable that Jesus tells of the wedding feast, when a lord's servants are sent with an invitation to his guests to come and be a part of his feast (Matthew 22:1-14). However, the first invited guests did not come but refused because they were too busy with their own affairs (Matthew 22:5-6). So they were deemed not worthy (Matthew 22:8) and others were invited instead. I think Jesus' parable is applicable to our discussion of wisdom. Jesus' first guests (who I believe stood for the Pharisees and Sadducees who did not accept his gospel and all the rest who didn't listen to the prophets before them) are like the worldly wise of this age, they may hear the beckoning of wisdom but because they think they are wise (when really they are simple) they do not heed the call of wisdom. Let us not be wise in our own eyes but heed the call of wisdom and eat at her table while the invitation is still outstanding.
2. The Bread and Wine of Wisdom. The food and drink of wisdom is knowledge and insight. After being invited to sit down at her table, Wisdom provides us the following advice to nourish us:
1) Do not rebuke a wicked person, but reprove the wise. (Proverbs 9:7). Oftentimes we want to put someone in their place when they have stepped out of line or offer unsolicited advice but if the person is not the type to listen to this advice we should not offer it. Pride can often stand in the way of receiving helpful advice, but the humble will hear it and we should offer it to them, although how the message is delivered can be as important as the message itself. The Lord offers guidance on how advice should be provided. In regards to disputes with one's brother, the Lord advises taking our brother aside to settle a matter with him personally (Matthew 18:15). I believe the same principle applies to advice. If we think someone needs to be corrected (unless it is for a public sin in which case the elders or pastor should probably do it) we would be well served to take them aside or write them a note (or email or something similar) raising the issue with them instead of doing so publicly or in any way to embarrass them.
2) Fear the Lord and know his ways (Proverbs 9:10). These admonishments have been stated previously in Proverbs but they are always worth repeating. If we don't know the Lord's laws we can't obey them so we must study the Word. If we don't fear the Lord (have a right relationship with him of honor and respect) we won't want to obey his laws even if we know them.
3) Wisdom is for your benefit. "If you are wise, you are wise for yourself" (Proverbs 9:12 ESV). This may seem obvious but it's worth stating because wisdom is for our benefit, not just as a duty to God, to keep us from sin and harm, for by Wisdom "your days will be multiplied and years will be added to your life" (Proverbs 9:11 ESV).
3. The Ruin of Folly. "The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing" (Proverbs 9:13 ESV). I think we would do well to internalize this. Oftentimes the wrong thing appears attractive (and perhaps even beneficial to us) but remember that the counsel of the wicked is void of wisdom; the wicked may have many clever schemes but they know nothing. Their schemes and devices will not bear fruit that lasts, even if it appears to prosper for a season. Sin can be attractive (Proverbs 9:17) but its end result is death (Proverbs 9:18). If you are walking by Folly and hear her call, just keep on walking.
It is worth noting that in this Chapter both Wisdom and Folly make the same call: "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" (Proverbs 9:4,16). Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between the two voices but that is when we must use the Holy Spirit and prayer to help us discern our path. Remember, you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-16). One final comment, the wise man knows he's simple, the simple man knows no such thing.
Lord Jesus Christ, sometimes we can be confused as to when are hearing the voice of Wisdom and the voice of Folly. But your word is like a sword that can separate the soul from the spirit, may your word be used as a sword to separate out all false and wicked counsel from that of Wisdom that we may hear correctly. May we be humble enough to receive your wisdom and counsel.
*ESV=English Standard Version
1. The House of Wisdom. Wisdom "has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars" (Proverbs 9:1 ESV). Her table is prepared and she has sent out her young women to call from the highest places of the town, offering free bread and mixed wine (Proverbs 9:3-5 ESV). Her call to men is "[l]eave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight" (Proverbs 9:6 ESV). There are parallels here with the parable that Jesus tells of the wedding feast, when a lord's servants are sent with an invitation to his guests to come and be a part of his feast (Matthew 22:1-14). However, the first invited guests did not come but refused because they were too busy with their own affairs (Matthew 22:5-6). So they were deemed not worthy (Matthew 22:8) and others were invited instead. I think Jesus' parable is applicable to our discussion of wisdom. Jesus' first guests (who I believe stood for the Pharisees and Sadducees who did not accept his gospel and all the rest who didn't listen to the prophets before them) are like the worldly wise of this age, they may hear the beckoning of wisdom but because they think they are wise (when really they are simple) they do not heed the call of wisdom. Let us not be wise in our own eyes but heed the call of wisdom and eat at her table while the invitation is still outstanding.
2. The Bread and Wine of Wisdom. The food and drink of wisdom is knowledge and insight. After being invited to sit down at her table, Wisdom provides us the following advice to nourish us:
1) Do not rebuke a wicked person, but reprove the wise. (Proverbs 9:7). Oftentimes we want to put someone in their place when they have stepped out of line or offer unsolicited advice but if the person is not the type to listen to this advice we should not offer it. Pride can often stand in the way of receiving helpful advice, but the humble will hear it and we should offer it to them, although how the message is delivered can be as important as the message itself. The Lord offers guidance on how advice should be provided. In regards to disputes with one's brother, the Lord advises taking our brother aside to settle a matter with him personally (Matthew 18:15). I believe the same principle applies to advice. If we think someone needs to be corrected (unless it is for a public sin in which case the elders or pastor should probably do it) we would be well served to take them aside or write them a note (or email or something similar) raising the issue with them instead of doing so publicly or in any way to embarrass them.
2) Fear the Lord and know his ways (Proverbs 9:10). These admonishments have been stated previously in Proverbs but they are always worth repeating. If we don't know the Lord's laws we can't obey them so we must study the Word. If we don't fear the Lord (have a right relationship with him of honor and respect) we won't want to obey his laws even if we know them.
3) Wisdom is for your benefit. "If you are wise, you are wise for yourself" (Proverbs 9:12 ESV). This may seem obvious but it's worth stating because wisdom is for our benefit, not just as a duty to God, to keep us from sin and harm, for by Wisdom "your days will be multiplied and years will be added to your life" (Proverbs 9:11 ESV).
3. The Ruin of Folly. "The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing" (Proverbs 9:13 ESV). I think we would do well to internalize this. Oftentimes the wrong thing appears attractive (and perhaps even beneficial to us) but remember that the counsel of the wicked is void of wisdom; the wicked may have many clever schemes but they know nothing. Their schemes and devices will not bear fruit that lasts, even if it appears to prosper for a season. Sin can be attractive (Proverbs 9:17) but its end result is death (Proverbs 9:18). If you are walking by Folly and hear her call, just keep on walking.
It is worth noting that in this Chapter both Wisdom and Folly make the same call: "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" (Proverbs 9:4,16). Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between the two voices but that is when we must use the Holy Spirit and prayer to help us discern our path. Remember, you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-16). One final comment, the wise man knows he's simple, the simple man knows no such thing.
Lord Jesus Christ, sometimes we can be confused as to when are hearing the voice of Wisdom and the voice of Folly. But your word is like a sword that can separate the soul from the spirit, may your word be used as a sword to separate out all false and wicked counsel from that of Wisdom that we may hear correctly. May we be humble enough to receive your wisdom and counsel.
*ESV=English Standard Version
