Lady Wisdom – Proverbs 9:1-6 Submitted by Kay Crumley
I am combining pieces from three sources. In her book Feasting on God’s Word, Kristie McLelland provided the main passage from Proverbs 9:1-6. What does wisdom mean to you? Is it simply a wide range of information, or deep understanding of one topic? Wisdom is a gift from God, it comes from knowing Him, discerning His will in our lives, and living in alignment with His teaching. I didn’t find a single concise definition, but this is the basis for what I understand wisdom to mean. This passage refers to wisdom as a female. It is sometimes referred to as ‘Lady Wisdom.’ I hope I haven’t lost the men who may be reading this.
She built a large house with a proper foundation that makes it unshakeable. She prepared the best food and drink for her guests personally overseeing it all. Try to picture a large table set with lovely place settings, filled with the most well-prepared food, and with wine that has been mixed with perfect spices. This is all waiting for those who will answer to come and feast.
1 Wisdom has built her house;
she has set up its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls
from the highest point of the city,
4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
5 “Come, eat my food
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of insight.”
Then she sent out her servants to call all who would come. They went to the highest place so their voices would carry throughout the town to get everyone’s attention.
Her invitation is to the simple in verses 4 then in verse 6 it refers to simple ways. Those who wish to gain insight should join this delicious banquet she has prepared for them. The simple, in verse 4, may be interpreted as those open and willing to hear, to take in, what she will teach or feed them. Verse 6 in some versions uses the word foolish rather than simple. Those who are open to the wisdom she has to offer must also be willing to leave behind their gullible ways that have led them to foolish behaviors. Then, they can learn to ‘walk in the way of insight.’ Insight can also be understanding. We feast on God’s Word by consuming it so that it becomes a part of our being. That leads to growth in our understanding, faith, and wisdom.
I remember that our Sunday School lesson last week also referred to the simple, Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. His laws or statutes are true and make those who are simple, open and willing to hear, believe, and follow His Word, wise.
Finally, the devotional from the Deep Journal for this sermon series for today written by Mark Julian is from James 1:25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. This seems to continue the same message. Those who will investigate His Word, taking it in, making it a part of their very person, will be blessed. The result of wisdom in the first two passages is blessing as we live our lives based on His Word.
God’s teaching throughout scripture is consistent and insistent. If we come to His table seeking wisdom with an open mind and heart, we can be equipped to turn away from leading a life of foolishness to experiencing a life of blessing. Ask yourself the following questions as you grow in wisdom and in your faith: Observation – what does it say? Interpretation – what does it mean? Application – How does it work? Or what do you need to do? We are never called to sit in one place but to walk in His purpose. That brings change and growth as we take in His wisdom and walk in it.
