A word of explanation for those who have recently begun following my daily commentary on the Book of Proverbs: I began the New Year challenging readers to read a chapter from Proverbs daily. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs and a daily reading of this wonderful book can infuse God’s wisdom in our hearts and lives. My goal is to choose 2-3 verses from the chapter of the day and illuminate them with a brief commentary and application. You can subscribe for the daily commentary to be sent to your email address by going to pastortravisdsmith.wordpress.com, look in the right hand column where you have an opportunity to subscribe by entering your email address.
Today’s commentary: Proverbs 9 marks the conclusion of King Solomon’s introduction to the book of Proverbs. Solomon has described wisdom’s cry and longing to be heard. He has explained the folly of sin; the destructive end of rebellion and the path of destruction fools follow when they entertain the lure of promiscuity.
In Proverbs 9, a young man stands at a familiar spiritual crossroads represented with invitations…in my application, invitations to two opposing schools of thought or philosophy. The first invitation is from the University of Godly Wisdom (Proverbs 9:1-6), while a second invitation follows from the School of Folly (Proverbs 9:13-18). Proverbs 9:7-12 serves as transitional verses between the two invitations.
With the above as a point of context, I invite you to read Proverbs 9 and consider: In which school of philosophy are you enrolled?
Are you enrolled in the University of Godly Wisdom where Wisdom has built a house described as “hewn out her seven pillars” (Proverbs 9:1)? [in the Scriptures the number “7” means completeness or wholeness; for example, God created 6 days and on the 7th He rested; Creation was complete].
Application—Godly wisdom affords a man safe haven in a school of thought that is complete, whole and wanting nothing.
By contrast, the School of Folly is where gullible, simple men dwell [men who lack wisdom and are slaves to sin]; men whose sinful lives follow a course of sorrow, destruction and death.
I invite you to without delay, enroll in the University of Godly Wisdom, humble yourself and open your heart to the Lord. It is never too late to become a student in God’s University if we are willing to come to Him in simple faith.
Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the LORD [reverential fear – Proverbs 1:7] is the beginning of wisdom [starting point for wisdom is reverential fear and awe of God]: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding [wisdom and insight].”