In this chapter, Solomon, Lady Wisdom, and Folly address those without good judgment. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “Wisdom has built her spacious house with seven pillars. She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table. She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city. “Come home with me,” she urges the simple. To those without good judgment, she says, “Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your foolish ways behind, and begin to live; learn how to be wise.” (Yes, Lord! Help us move away from our foolish ways!)
Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get a smart retort. Anyone who rebukes the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more. Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more. (Wow! That is wisdom! Lord, help us practice love and not hate when we are rebuked.)
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding. (Yes!!!)
Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Folly Calls for a Hearing
The woman named Folly is loud and brash. She is ignorant and doesn’t even know it. She sits in her doorway on the heights overlooking the city. She calls out to men going by who are minding their own business. “Come home with me,” she urges the simple. To those without good judgment, she says, “Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!” But the men don’t realize that her former guests are now in the grave.” (Proverbs 9) (Wow!)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Teach us to fear and respect you, as this is the beginning of wisdom. Take that spirit of hate from us, and help us love those who criticize us. Grow our wisdom so we are no longer simple minded and we are able to exercise good judgment. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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