Proverbs 9 (Jean)
The first passage, verses 1-6, begins with Wisdom building her house with seven pillars, representing beauty and stability. She prepares food and mixed wine for her guests.
She sends her maidens out from the heights of the city to call all those who are naive and lacking knowledge to come eat and drink what she has prepared. She invites them to turn from folly and live; to take the path of understanding.
Verses 13-18 give the contrasting position, the woman of folly. She is described as loud, undisciplined and without knowledge. Yet she is also calling out to those who pass by, "Let all who are simple come in here!" But then her invitation is completely different, "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!" An enticing invitation to sin.
One way leads to life and the other to death. I don't know about you, but I want to get past the weak and ignorant stages in my life. I want godly discernment, and I want to walk in the path of understanding. I want to be a sent-out one inviting others to come to the waters (Isaiah 55:1) and to drink fully of his love.
Oh Lord, renew my mind and enlarge my capacity to love! I am confident that you will bring the good work you started in me to perfection. (Phil 1:6) Hallelujah!
