Have you ever felt torn between two different paths or options you have regarding important decisions? Ever been unsure which is wise and which is foolish?
In Proverbs 9, we encounter Wisdom and Folly as they extend invitations to join their respective banquets. As we navigate life’s choices, let us heed the call of wisdom and embrace the path that leads to life.
Reconnect: Proverbs 9 presents us with a vivid contrast between Wisdom and Folly, each offering their invitation to partake of their respective banquets. As we reflect on this passage, let us consider the choices we make and the paths we follow, recognizing the profound impact they have on our lives.
(Summarized and continued 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.
Summary Key Points:
- Wisdom’s Invitation: Wisdom calls out from her lofty perch, inviting all who will listen to come and partake of her feast. She offers knowledge, understanding, and the fear of the Lord as nourishment for the soul.
- Folly’s Temptation: In contrast, Folly sits at the door of her house, calling out to passersby with seductive words. Her invitation leads to destruction and death, luring the foolish with temporary pleasures.
- Choosing the Path of Wisdom: The passage underscores the importance of discernment in choosing the path of wisdom over folly. Those who heed Wisdom’s call will find life and blessing, while those who follow Folly’s allure will face ruin and despair.
Call to Action: Let us respond to the invitations of Wisdom and Folly by:
- Seeking Wisdom: Like the wise, let us seek after knowledge, understanding, and the fear of the Lord. May we pursue wisdom diligently, knowing that it leads to life and blessing.
- Rejecting Folly: Let us resist the temptations of folly, recognizing the empty promises it offers. May we discern the deceitfulness of sin and choose the path of righteousness and truth.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to discern between the paths of wisdom and folly. May we heed the call of wisdom and walk in Your ways, knowing that it leads to life and blessing. Protect us from the deceitfulness of sin and guide us in the paths of righteousness. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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