Proverbs 9
PROVERBS, Chapter 9 presents two invitations... one from wisdom and the other from folly. Dining with wisdom has its long and lasting benefits. Feasting with folly has its long and painful consequences. We are the decision makers and decision affects character and character shapes destiny. We are invited once more to dine with wisdom and see through the veneer of impulse and politics and identify the fools from the wise or vice versa. It pays to fear the Lord; it pays to desperately depend on the Lord in everything. This is the life of the wise!
1. Fine dining with wisdom (v.1-6)
Like a feast, wisdom invites the naïve to walk in her ways, offers an honest and intimate relationship more than just a stern set of rules, gives practical and godly instructions that will govern and guide your heart and leaves an influence of godliness as a legacy to the wise.
2. Fix descriptions of folly (v.7-10)
Folly manifests itself by these traits: unwilling to learn, angry and arrogant when corrected, allergic to mentors, unmoved by Spiritual convictions, unresponsive to God, and not attracted to godliness.
3. Final decision for wisdowm or permanent friendship with folly (v.11-12)
Should you choose to feast with wisdom, these are your benefits: It will give your life, not just existence but will give meaning to your added years; It will greatly diminish unnecessary suffering in your journey here on earth;
4. Folly’s destiny is with the fools (v.13-18)
...the hardened heart is no longer sensitive to the call of wisdom. The saying “You cannot teach an old dog new tricks” is not really accurate, it depends on the attitude of the dog more than the age. Let us learn from these final warnings from wisdom about the treacherous ways of folly: Folly offers pleasure at the price of the death of something sacred within you; Folly offers thrill and excitement of the moment as an advanced payment for a life of misery; Folly’s offer is a subtle snare that looks like an elegant shovel for a sure grave.
Prayers
Abba, knowing my destiny is not available in detail today, knowing my decisions are a preview of my destiny. Abba, help me make a choice that will honor you. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen.
Abba, help me identify folly and her foolish ways; let me see her either from the windows of my heart or as a reflection of what I am becoming to be. Lord, deliver me from evil, deliver me from myself. Amen.
Abba, help me choose your son Jesus Christ as my way of living, my chance of knowing you deeply and my only hope for living. Amen