INVITATIONS OF WISDOM AND FOLLY

Proverbs 9:1-18 / Keywords 9:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

 

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

9:1 Wisdom has built her house;

    she has set up[a] its seven pillars.

2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

    she has also set her table.

3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls

    from the highest point of the city,

4     “Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

5     “Come, eat my food

    and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;

    walk in the way of insight.”

7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

    rebuke the wise and they will love you.

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For through wisdom[b] your days will be many,

    and years will be added to your life.

12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;

    if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

13 Folly is an unruly woman;

    she is simple and knows nothing.

14 She sits at the door of her house,

    on a seat at the highest point of the city,

15 calling out to those who pass by,

    who go straight on their way,

16     “Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

17     “Stolen water is sweet;

    food eaten in secret is delicious!”

18 But little do they know that the dead are there,

    that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.

Footnotes

a. Proverbs 9:1 Septuagint, Syriac and Targum; Hebrew has hewn out

b. Proverbs 9:11 Septuagint, Syriac and Targum; Hebrew me

1. In this passage, there are two invitations, one from wisdom (1~6), and another from an unruly woman (13-18). The consequence for each invitation is very different (7~12).

 

2. Wisdom has built her house and set up its seven pillars. She prepared a meal and wine and invited people even who had no sense, “Come, eat my food and drink the wine. And leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.” Wisdom will reward you!

 

3. Folly sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, “Let all who are simple come to my house! Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” Her guests are deep in the realm of the dead. Folly will kill you!

 

4. Only wisdom will give us life and insight. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (10). Jesus also invites us, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” (John 7:37-38).

 

Prayer Thank you, Lord, for your invitation even though I am simple. Lord, open my eyes and ears to accept your invitation.

One Word Wisdom will reward you