It's hard to recognize the voice of wisdom in our noisy world. Proverbs 9 shows you how.
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Proverbs 9 Summary
Two women cry out for your attention:
On one side is Lady Wisdom. She proclaims:
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! (v4)"
On the other side is Lady Folly. She proclaims:
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! (v16)"
Confused?
Dig Deeper
You live in a day and age where you're bombarded with all sorts of claims promising you peace & rest.
On one hand, the world beckons you with all sorts of offers of sweet water and pleasant bread (v17). But this beautiful house is the home of the dead and the guests there are in the depths of Sheol (v18).
On the other hand stands Lady Wisdom, calling your to "leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight (v6).”
The problem is these two women look so similar, especially from a distance. Both are attractive, though each in different ways. How can you know which voice to follow?
To begin with, understand your own limitation. Both women call out to those who lack sense (v4 & 16). This characterization describes all of us. Before you can enter the house of Lady Wisdom, you must first realize you don't have the sense to find her house on your own.
The answer to this predicament comes not at the end of this poem, but right in the middle, which is characteristic of Hebrew poetry:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight (v10).
This fear is simply an acknowledgment of God's omnipotent power, authority and control that transcends all of reality.
God doesn't expect you to figure life out on your own. Rather it's as you submit yourself to Him in an attitude of humility and reverence that He will guide you into Wisdom's insight. It's as you stand before Him as a trembling, sinner fearing His wrath that He multiplies your days and years by redeeming you through Christ's perfect righteousness.
AAA Prayer:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father is the Holy One, who multiplies our days and adds years to our lives (v11).
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Ask God to kindle an attitude of fear before Him so that He can give you wisdom & insight (v10).
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
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