Friday, September 20 – Proverbs 9, 10

1. Who did Wisdom invite to her banquet? (Proverbs 9:1-6)

2. What happens to someone who corrects a scoffer? (Proverbs 9:7)

3. How does the foolish woman deceive the simple? (Proverbs 9:17)

4. How does a father feel about a wise son? (Proverbs 10:1)

In the opening verses of Proverbs 9, the house symbolizes Wisdom and represents a place where the seeker of truth stands at the door. We are advised not to speculate on what each of the pillars represents.

The metaphor of Wisdom’s banquet is striking, where the invitation is extended to the simple, those aware of their lack of understanding. The others, confident in their supposed superiority, decline. Wisdom says, “Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding” (Proverbs 9:6, NKJV).

Solomon advises us to avoid correcting the insolent and wicked, as it will only result in insult, offense, and hatred. However, when we counsel the wise, they will receive it positively and increase their knowledge.

Proverbs 9:10 emphasizes a foundational truth: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (NKJV). Wisdom and understanding are gifts from God, each serving a different purpose. Intelligence relies on abilities, while wisdom remains humble and curious, balanced by the fear of the Lord.

The wise continues by saying, “Folly is like a foolish woman. Other proverbs translate the Hebrew word for ‘foolish’ as ‘simple.’ Its synonyms would be ‘silly and ignorant.’ Without scruples, she sits in a chair at the door of her house, on the elevated part of the city, calling the young men who walk on the straight path to seduce the inexperienced into committing adultery or fornication with her. Here, the professional harlot is described. Her offer contrasts with the invitation made by Wisdom to the inexperienced youth (vv. 1-6).

The offer couldn’t be more tempting: ‘Stolen water is sweet; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant’ (vv. 16, 17). Sin, at first, may seem pleasant and sweet, but it ends up being very unpleasant and bitter in its physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. Folly bears many similarities to the adulterous woman in chapter 5. In conclusion, to avoid falling into the snare of sin, we must ask God to fill us with His wisdom.”

As Mrs. White aptly points out:

“True wisdom is a treasure as lasting as eternity. Many of the world’s so-called wise men and women are wise only in their own estimation. Content with the acquisition of worldly wisdom, they never enter the garden of God, to become acquainted with the treasures of knowledge contained in His holy Word. Supposing themselves to be wise, they are ignorant concerning the wisdom which all must have who gain eternal life. They cherish a contempt for the Book of God, which, if studied and obeyed, would make them truly wise.” (To be like Jesus 95)

Proverbs 10 begins the book’s second section, which ends in chapter 22:16. It is a collection of brief sayings of Solomon of great practical value independent of each other. In the poetic and wisdom books, the literary style of parallelism, or repetition of the same idea, characteristic of the Hebrew language, is observed.

In the early chapters (1-9), more thematic organization emphasizes the “fear of the Lord.” This prepares us to examine brief proverbs that contrast the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, the lazy and the diligent.

In his conclusion, Solomon declares that God protects those who do good but destroys those who do evil. God outlines the path for the righteous to follow.

These two chapters can teach us many lessons for our spiritual growth. Let us ask God to help us embody the virtues Solomon advises us to acquire. May divine wisdom accompany us in our spiritual journey. Blessings to all.