The Way of Wisdom

Topic: Wisdom
Passage: Proverbs 9:1–12

July 19, 2022

Commentary

In this chapter we are informed that wisdom has built her house and invites men to come to the banquet she has prepared (vv. 1-6). The seven pillars suggest the splendor of the house (v. 1). Wisdom provides an elaborate banquet for all who will come. Animals have been slain, and the wine has been flavored with spices to give it the best possible flavor (v. 2). The maidens who attend are then sent forth to summon the guests (vv. 3-5). They cry from the highest places so that all may hear the gracious invitation. Her compassion is expressed in her sincere interest in those simple ones who, want experience and lack of sound judgment, and are so apt to go astray (v. 6).

He that reproveth a scorner gathereth to himself shame (vv. 7-12). Those who heed wisdom respond to and learn from rebuke (v. 8), add to their knowledge (v. 9) and enjoy life (v. 11). But those who heed folly’s call are not open to correction (vv. 7-8) so they suffer (v. 12b). They are mockers unwilling to be corrected. “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee” (v. 8). To accentuate the  positive and eliminate the negative is the philosophy of many today.” “No” has just about disappeared from the average home, school and working situation. The Garden of Eden clearly heard the big “no” from God and it’s disregard is still felt today. The Ten Commandments major on negatives. God needs people who cannot only take a “no” but also say “no” to the destructive habits of our day. The scorner, according to verse 12, must pay the penalty. He has so hardened himself that he is beyond the reach of reason and love. The just man can take teaching and learn from it (v. 9). Most of our education today is like (II Timothy 3:7) says, “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

Application

According to James, if I ask the Lord for wisdom He has promised to give it to me liberally. I just need to be sincere and continue to ask Him.

Proverbs 9:1– 12 (NET)

1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out its seven pillars.

2 She has prepared her meat, she has mixed her wine; she also has arranged her table.

3 She has sent out her female servants; she calls out on the highest places of the city.

4 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here.” To those who lack understanding, she has said,

5 “Come, eat some of my food, and drink some of the wine I have mixed.

6 Abandon your foolish ways so that you may live, and proceed in the way of understanding.”

7 Whoever corrects a mocker is asking for insult; whoever reproves a wicked person receives abuse.

8 Do not reprove a mocker or he will hate you; reprove a wise person and he will love you.

9 Give instruction to a wise person, and he will become wiser still; teach a righteous person and he will add to his learning.

10 The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding.

11 For because of me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

12 If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage, but if you have mocked, you alone must bear it.

Illustration: Nicholes – Learning From a Nut (Proverbs 9:1)

Maybe you think about my preaching sometimes like this minister I heard about. He gave an unusual sermon one day, using a peanut to make several important points about the wisdom of God in nature. One of his members greeted him at the door and said, “Very interesting, Pastor. I never expected to learn so much from a nut.” (Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).

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