Christian Devotional – September 10, 2019
A choice. We each have a choice how we will proceed amd whether or not we will choose wisdom. Read Proverbs 9.
Wisdom’s Invitation – Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table; She has sent out her maidens, she calls From the tops of the heights of the city: “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks understanding she says, “Come, eat of my food And drink of the wine I have mixed. “Forsake your folly and live, And proceed in the way of understanding.”
Proverbs 9:1-6 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.9.1-6.NASB
That’s a pretty lavish set up. Wisdom is appealing and is working to get our attention and invite us in. However, it is a choice. We have to consciously choose to forsake folly. If not, we will never gain wisdom.
Interacting with Others – Proverbs 9:7-12
He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
Proverbs 9:7-12 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.9.7-12.NASB
Wisdom isn’t just for us. Wisdom also impacts how others respond to us. If we are giving feedback to someone who has wisdom, that conversation goes much differently than if we have that same conversation with someone who is not wise. Are we surrounding ourselves with people who are wise?
The Call of Folly – Proverbs 9:13-18
The woman of folly is boisterous, She is naive and knows nothing. She sits at the doorway of her house, On a seat by the high places of the city, Calling to those who pass by, Who are making their paths straight: “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,” And to him who lacks understanding she says, “Stolen water is sweet; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Proverbs 9:13-18 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.9.13-18.NASB
Well, if wisdom is going to call toward people, then we should expect that folly is not going to sit by quietly. Folly calls out to people as well and tries to get them to come in. It is a choice. Which will we choose today?