September 9, 2009

Proverbs 9

Invitations of Wisdom and of Folly
 1 Wisdom has built her house;
       she has hewn out 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 maids, and she calls
       from the highest point of the city.

 4 "Let all who are simple come in here!"
       she says to those who lack judgment.

 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 understanding.

 7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult;
       whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.

 8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
       rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

 9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
       teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. 


Aren't verses 8 & 9 so true?  Wise words fall on deaf ears (casting pearls before swine).

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


Lord, help me to fear you.  I think I prayed this at the beginning of the Proverbs study, but it continues to be my heart's need and desire.  May I fear you so that I fear nothing else.

 11 For through me 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 The woman Folly is loud;
       she is undisciplined and without knowledge.

 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 in here!"
       she says to those who lack judgment.

 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 in the depths of the grave.


One month ago today, my pastor issued the Proverbs reading challenge!  I really had no idea what a life changing experience this was going to be.  I had no idea how much I would discover about myself and my folly.  And I had no idea how it would prepare me for some events and conversations.  I love the idea of coming back to the Proverbs a couple of times a year and re-read it just to be reminded of the amazing truths! 

4 comments:

Candice said...

One thing I noticed this time around with this proverb is that Wisdom and Folly are parallel. They both have a house on the hill. They both call out for the simple. That's where everything changes!
Folly is loud and boisterous. Almost like a drunk calling out in his drunkeness.
Wisdom on the other hand raises her voice but is stately. Truth and accuracy. Like a firefighter calling out in a burning housefire. Leading the way to safety.
Another verse I loved today was about my prospect is joy! I may not grasp it today but it is on the way. Just like a trusty forecast. Don't worry if today is hot and humid, cool winds are on the way.

Alicia said...

Candice, thank you so much for your "wise" insight. I've learned so much from you!

Stephanie Kay said...

Since you've started this series, I've learned that Ann H. (OBU) reads through the Proverbs every month and changes translations every couple of months. I think this is a great idea! I'm going to copy her. :)

Anonymous said...

AWESOME! Thanks for sharing! I hope you have a great week:)