I noted in my January commentary in Proverbs 9 that Solomon introduces two opposing schools of thought or philosophy in Proverbs 9. The first school I named the University of Godly Wisdom (Proverbs 9:1-6), the second the School of Folly (Proverbs 9:13-18).
The University of Godly Wisdom offers a man an education described as having “seven pillars”, meaning complete, whole and wanting nothing (9:1). By contrast, gullible, simple men matriculate into the School of Folly and follow a path that leads to sorrow and destruction.
Proverbs 9:2-5 portrays Wisdom as a woman preparing for a banquet. Some of my readers might have had occasion to visit the beautiful Biltmore House in Asheville, NC and have a mental picture of the banquet table Solomon has in mind in his lecture to his son. We read:
Proverbs 9:2-5 – “She [Wisdom] hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine [diluting it with water]; she hath also furnished her table. 3 She [Wisdom] hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, 4 Whoso is simple [those easily led astray], let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, ?5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled [describing the delight of a feast; diluted wine].”
Wisdom is preparing meats and wine for her guests (“mingled”, indicating the strength of the wine diluted with water). Wisdom’s invitation is open to all who would hear and heed her summons to come to her banquet (9:3-5). Wisdom invited the simple and those lacking in understanding to the banquet; however, sinners have little stomach or inclination for Wisdom and her instruction. The apostle Paul made a similar observation when he wrote that sinners are, “Ever learning, and never able to come to [arrive at] the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).
The reality is that sinners have no will or desire to come to God apart from His invitation.
John 6:44 – “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
My friend, if your heart is tugged by the truths you are reading and the explanations I am sharing, it is the work of the Holy Spirit. Open your ears to the Truth and your heart to Christ. As the old gospel song goes, “Come and Dine,” the Master Calleth, “Come and Dine”. http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1148
A Reminder of the Challenge: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs and a daily reading of this wonderful book can infuse God’s wisdom into our hearts and lives. My pattern is to choose 2-3 verses from the chapter of the day and illuminate them with a brief commentary and application. I invite you to subscribe to my daily devotionals by going to www.HeartofAShepherd.com; you will find to the right of my blog a box where you can enter your email address and have the devotionals sent directly to your computer, tablet, or Smart Phone.
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