Wisdom’s Invitation
08.21.24
Wisdom has builded her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars. (Proverbs 9:1)
We began last week to focus on Proverbs 9. Herein Solomon presents parallel invitations to a feast, first by wisdom, and then by folly. In between these feasts, he presents a contrast between the scorner and the wise man. Each section is a set of six verses.
The feast of wisdom is presented first. Last time we gave attention to the feast’s host and the house in which the feast would be held (1). The hostess is Wisdom. The house is solid, spacious and secure.
Now we see the meal (2) …she has killed her beasts; she has mingled her wine; she has also furnished her table. This meal possesses three qualities—it is royal, abundant and carefully prepared.
Wisdom has put out her best. The meal is fit for a king. The implication from the word ‘furnished’ is that there is plenty! The problem with going to a place like Pizza Ranch is that we often want to get our money’s worth and so perhaps eat a little more that is necessary. Wisdom provides all that we need and then some. This meal has also been carefully prepared. Wisdom herself has gone to a great deal of trouble—acquiring, mingling and furnishing.
As we know that Wisdom is in fact the Lord Jesus Christ, we can be certain that He has provided a sure salvation for us and more. His grace is exceeding and abundant.
Now comes the invitation to the meal (3-5). She has sent forth her maidens: she cries upon the highest places of the city, “Whoso is simple, let him turn in here:” as for him that lacks understanding, she says to him, “Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.”
This invitation can be described in three ways. It is open. Anyone can come. It is public as the invitation is offered publicly to all the city. Best of all, it is free!
The prophet Isaiah said this about the invitation to the gospel- Ho, every one that thirsts, come to the waters, and he that has no money; come buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor for that which satisfies not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (Isaiah 55:1, 2)
Jesus’ words to the woman at the well are of a similar nature- Jesus answered and said unto her, “Whoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:13, 14)
The invitation includes two clear instructions (6). Forsake the foolish and live, and go in the way of understanding. We either choose Christ or we choose self or the world. There is no middle ground. We must understand God’s Word and put it into practice.
Wisdom’s promise is life! The alternative, of course, is death, and this we will soon see is the end result of attending the feast of folly (13-18).
If we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you, please feel free to call upon us.