Proverbs 9:1-18 Which Buffet?

Many times once church is over, they say they all stand around discussing where they want to go eat lunch.

Well, I’m never around for that but the point is there are usually two favorites that people choose to go. Some want quick and easy, yet others prefer a leisurely slow-paced lunch to talk and enjoy each other’s company.

That’s how I interpret the message today.

Which buffet do you choose? Folly’s- which is quick and easy so you can get back to lazing around, or Wisdom’s so you can sit and enjoy wise conversation and learn a thing or two?

I. Wisdom Warmly Invites Us to Participate in Her Ways and Benefits. (9:1-6)

We can be “fed” wisdom, which has been here from the time of creation. We can get closer to God by obtaining wisdom and learning from it. Lady Wisdom has prepared the perfect meal, set the beautiful table, and is ready for all who are invited to come and dine with her. She offers so many benefits at her table than Lady Folly.

She-Lady Folly-sits bawdily at her doorway in her house on the highest point in the city. She invites all the simple-minded, naiive people into her house. They do not know wisdom, therefore making the wrong choice. Their choice will lead them to burn in the lake of fire, yet they are so ignorant, they cannot see it.

II. Wisdom’s Responders learn

and Folly’s Followers React negatively. (9:7-12)

Folly’s banquet is filled with prideful, arrogant people who can’t learn anything because they think they know it all already. They react badly to criticism and lash out with harsh words and name-calling. Her diners are mockers who will unfortunately suffer.

To fear the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. One needs to have an affectionate reverence for God, not run away in fear. He wants you to know Him. He invites you to gain knowledge and have a closer relationship with Him.

I didn’t understand what the Bible was saying about fearing the Lord either until I read these passages. I want to not be afraid but welcoming to the Lord but if I didn’t truly fear Him, I would not have been called to study His word on a daily basis or share The Sunday Message.

I don’t fear His wrath, I fear His judgement. If I obtain knowledge and then don’t act on it, my reward in heaven might be smaller than it could be. So I study and I share what I learn.

In my personal study this week and last, I have enjoyed learning what the story really is in Genesis. More about Adam and Eve than I ever realized, more able Cain and Able as well. Pastor Armstrong at Verse by Verse ministry digs so deep into each word, explaining the Hebrew interpretation of it, you gain a much deeper understanding.

If you would like to study like me, get the Verse by Verse app on your phone or tablet. You can listen or in some cases watch the videos to most of the books in the New Testament, and some of the books in the Old Testament. There are also pdfs, maps, and study notes to help you anytime. Unfortunately, he has passed away but his ministry lives on. Fortunately for me, most of the books I have studied through him have been himself teaching. There is another pastor that fills in after he passes, but I only remember one book that he did. Pastor Stephen Armstrong lives on through his ministry and although he was only a man, he has made me truly appreciate the Bible where if I tried to understand it myself, I would have missed out on so much.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone and thank you for being here!