Day 147, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Proverbs 8, 9
Wisdom’s Invitation
Graduation ceremonies in America occur in late May. Many children and adults walk on a stage to receive their diplomas or degrees, while friends and family look on and applaud. Doctors or school administrators honor some for special achievements.
Friends and relatives offer their congratulations to the graduates and ask what plans they have for the future. We all hope they will follow a wise path and have success. Regardless if we are graduates, how can we walk in this path? Let's get advice from the smartest man (besides Jesus) ever to walk on this earth, King Solomon.
At the height of his reign, Solomon was wiser than anyone.
He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. [Proverbs are wise sayings written in poetical form (more...)]
He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.
Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom (1 Kings 4:32-34, NIV).
In our last Bible study (Proverbs 5-7), King Solomon warned of the seductions of the world, and in particular sexual temptation. In those chapters he showed us that
Sexual temptation is an enemy to wisdom, and we need to avoid that destructive path. [see the consequences in our last lesson]
The Virtuous Lady
The Virtuous Lady in today's Bible reading symbolizes wisdom. She is in contrast to the immoral woman of chapter seven. She also calls out on the heights where the paths meet, a place of business and commerce.
What does she offer? The lady offers prudence (meaning cleverness and sensibility) and understanding. She doesn't deceive with her lips and words—she proclaims the truth, openly. She gives righteousness, knowledge, counsel, and sound judgment. She offers the power to rule with justice and understanding. Wisdom also provides the right path to enduring wealth and prosperity.
Godly Wisdom
Wisdom has always been present with God. It was with God before and during the creation of the universe and everything in our world. The LORD designed things with complete understanding, and then he declared it was all excellent (Genesis 1:31). Wisdom is available to all who want it. Those who listen to her offer and seek it will find life, not destruction (Proverbs 8:32-36).In chapter nine, both wisdom and folly make their appeals to the simple, and both call out from the highest points of the city, where the paths cross and where we might expect a high population of people.
Which Path?
We have a choice. Which way will we take? Will we take the path of wisdom that leads to life or the way of foolishness that leads to destruction? Folly, like the wayward woman in chapter seven, personifies an unfaithful wife. She invites us to a bed of sin. Wisdom, personified as a virtuous and godly woman, invites us to a banquet table (9:1-6).
Wisdom gives joy to the heart as we partake of her tasty food and drink at her table. Folly makes us believe that stolen waters (illicit sexual affairs) are sweet, but her lovers suffer from their foolishness. Will we choose to walk in paths that lead to blessings or walk in ways that lead to ruin? Today’s decisions will affect tomorrow’s destinations.
King Solomon reminds us that wisdom starts with God. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV).
If we seek the LORD in his Word, the Bible, we find God offers us forgiveness, peace, spiritual life, and the beginnings of wisdom. Are there any of us who want to know more about him? (more...)
note: Wisdom, personified as a woman, was probably not referring to Christ in this context. It was instead a quality inherent with God when he made everything.
Discussion
How is a sexual temptation an enemy to wisdom and a self-destructive path?
What are the character differences between the Wayward Wife (folly) and the Virtuous Woman (wisdom) and what they have to offer?
How can we choose a godly path?
Focus Verses
Proverbs 8:35-36 (NIV) “For whoever finds me [wisdom] finds life and receives favor from the LORD. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: In our Next Lesson we look at some jewels of wisdom, called Right Words, Right Actions.
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