In our readings from the Book of Proverbs, Solomon has spoken metaphorically about “two women” who are competing for his son’s affections—Wisdom [Christ] and folly [satan]. It is a choice between righteousness and unrighteousness. It is also a choice between life and death: living in the blessing of God or living for a cursed world. Both offer a ‘party.’ Getting an invitation to a party is usually very exciting. One knows the party will likely offer socializing with friends, food, drink, and entertainment.
Our Chapter 9 reading today, is the climax to the introduction of the Book of Proverbs. It really sums up everything we have read thus far. Solomon asks his son, as well as you and me, “Whom will you love?” We have a choice to make in life if we will desire Wisdom—the marriage feast with Jesus—or folly—the world.
In Matthew 22, Jesus is teaching his disciples through a parable about a king and the wedding party of his son—an invitation went out saying the feast was prepared; everyone was invited but most ignored the invitation (vv. 1-4). To attend the party of Wisdom, we must be willing to embrace humility, repentance, and walk in the ways of God—good judgment. Jesus invites the world to his party and his meal is not for those who think they are wise, it is for those who know they are fools and simply want to grow in Wisdom.
It is all about an invitation—a request to participate. We can only accept and participate in one ‘party,’ because the feasts are going on simultaneously. According to Solomon—who received God’s gift of Wisdom—our behavior demonstrates our decision for which party we chose to attend. Solomon uses vv. 7-12 as examples of Wisdom’s teaching contrasted with folly [idolatry/apostasy/unfaithfulness to God]. For example, a mocker cannot be corrected; a wise person will welcome correction because he or she knows it will make one wiser. Choosing Wisdom causes us to grow in discernment. How do you handle criticism? Do you get angry and defensive or are you willing to listen and learn? Behavior reveals what we truly believe. We cannot divide our sacred and secular life—we are one new creation in Christ.
There are many decision we make in life that have huge implications. When we begin to read Chapters 10-31, we will see to be able to follow the Wisdom those passages offer, we must make a decision to trust Christ to lead and empower us. He is the Truth—the food and drink we must consume. Foolishness is basically not being able to see the connection between our actions and the consequences they bring our lives.
Proverbs 9 NLT
Wisdom has built her house;
she has carved its seven columns.
2
She has prepared a great banquet,
mixed the wines, and set the table.
3
She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.
She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
4
“Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says,
5
“Come, eat my food,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6
Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live;
learn to use good judgment.”
7
Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.
Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
8
So don’t bother correcting mockers;
they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
and they will love you.
9
Instruct the wise,
and they will be even wiser.
Teach the righteous,
and they will learn even more.
10
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
11
Wisdom will multiply your days
and add years to your life.
12
If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Folly Calls for a Hearing
13
The woman named Folly is brash.
She is ignorant and doesn’t know it.
14
She sits in her doorway
on the heights overlooking the city.
15
She calls out to men going by
who are minding their own business.
16
“Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says,
17
“Stolen water is refreshing;
food eaten in secret tastes the best!”
18
But little do they know that the dead are there.
Her guests are in the depths of the grave.[Scheol]
Prayer: Lord, so many times we think about unbelievers being the only ones who live foolishly, but as believers we confess today we know we need to grow in Wisdom. Thank you for your patience with us as your children. Help us to approach today in humility and honesty before you. Correct us when necessary and help us receive it with gratitude and repentance. Holy Spirit, guide us toward a greater knowledge of the Holy One. In Jesus’ name. Amen.