Not all invitations lead to life. Wisdom and folly both call out—but only one leads to God.
Key Verse:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” —Proverbs 9:10 (NASB)
Background Context:
Proverbs 9 presents a vivid contrast between two invitations: one from Wisdom and one from Folly. Both call out from high places. Both seem appealing. But only Wisdom offers life and truth. Wisdom builds her house, prepares a feast, and invites the simple to grow in understanding. Folly mimics this with loud, seductive calls, offering stolen pleasures that lead to destruction. The chapter culminates in the timeless truth that fearing the Lord is the beginning of true wisdom.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Wisdom’s Invitation
1Wisdom has built her house,
She has hewn out her seven pillars;
2She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine;
She has also set her table;
3She has sent out her maidens, she calls
From the tops of the heights of the city:
4“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!”
To him who lacks understanding she says,
5“Come, eat of my food
And drink of the wine I have mixed.
6“Forsake your folly and live,
And proceed in the way of understanding.”
7He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,
And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.
8Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you.
9Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.
12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
13The woman of folly is boisterous,
She is naive and knows nothing.
14She sits at the doorway of her house,
On a seat by the high places of the city,
15Calling to those who pass by,
Who are making their paths straight:
16“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,”
And to him who lacks understanding she says,
17“Stolen water is sweet;
And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18But he does not know that the dead are there,
That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Reflection on Proverbs 9:
Every day, we are faced with competing voices. Wisdom whispers through God’s Word, through godly counsel, and through the quiet prompting of the Spirit. Folly shouts through culture, temptation, and pride. At first glance, both paths may appear attractive, but their ends could not be more different.
Wisdom invites us to a table set with truth, understanding, and life. She doesn’t just offer knowledge—she offers relationship with the Holy One. But the path of folly, though sweet in the moment, is deceptive. It appeals to our desire for quick gratification and independence, yet it leads to death.
Proverbs 9 teaches us that choosing God’s way is not merely about avoiding sin—it’s about being nourished by truth. The fear of the Lord isn’t a cowering fear but a reverent awe that submits our hearts to His will, which is where real wisdom begins.
Application:
Which voice are you listening to today? Are you daily sitting at the table Wisdom has prepared through Scripture, prayer, and godly teaching? Or are you being drawn toward shortcuts and lies that seem easier but lead to ruin?
Commit to seeking the knowledge of the Holy One. Spend time each day with God, asking Him for wisdom. He promises to give it freely to those who ask (James 1:5).
Closing Prayer:
Lord, I want to choose the path of wisdom. Help me to fear You rightly and to grow in the knowledge of who You are. Tune my ears to Your voice and guard me from the traps of folly. Lead me in Your truth today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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