Proverbs 9
April 08, 2015
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 9
OBSERVATION-What does it say?
This chapter compares the invitation of wisdom to the invitation of foolishness (folly).
WISDOM says, 4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
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 insight.”
FOOLISHNESS says 16 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!”
UNDERSTANDING-What does it mean?
Similarities: Both Wisdom and Foolishness call out to the same type of people...the simple and those with no sense. This is profound because wisdom does not call out to the strong and wise. She calls out to the same type of people that foolishness calls out to. Wisdom loves the simple with no sense because these people are teachable, they love to learn, they love her and walk in her ways (vs. 6, 8-9). Foolishness also love the simple and those with no sense because it is easier for them to fall for anything. They hate wisdom and as a result know nothing. There is no fear or respect of the Lord in them (Vs. 8, 10, 13).
LIFE APPLICATION:
When we receive an invitation to a party, the ball is in our court in how we will reply. We can reply with a yes, no or maybe. Wisdom (who is Christ) cannot force us to walk in His ways. He doesn't force us to submit to Him as Lord and live our lives for Him. In the other corner, Foolishness (who is the devil and the adulteress), cannot force us to sin. He deceives, tempts and seduces, but ultimately, we make the decision to reply "yes " to his invitation. As a "simple person with no sense", whose house will we run to? Wisdom or Foolishness.
Dear Jesus, I admit that I am a weak, simple person with no sense who continues to lack confidence. I pray that I would not be ashamed or discouraged by it and instead run to You and rely on You alone for wisdom, strength and confidence. There are many times that I don't know what I'm doing, but You always know what You're doing. Thank You for Your confidence and perfection. Because of our faith in your sacrifice and resurrection, thank You that we have the power to reply "No" to the evil one's invitation to foolishness, even when he tries hard to make his party seem more fun and appealing. But Lord, we pray for help, especially in those moments when we start to entertain "maybe" replies to him. May You be glorified through our obedience of replying "Yes" to you alone. Amen.