Good Morning,

Proverbs 9 continues the praise of wisdom.  Wisdom is represented as having built a stately house or palace for the receiving of guests. The benefits of wisdom are clear and profound.  Wisdom invites all to her banquet.  Will you respond to the invitation to sit and dine at wisdom's table?

Notice the portrait painted so vividly in these first six verses.

9:1-2 "Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: 2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table." An allegory is presented describing how wisdom has built a majestic house or palace for the delight of her guests. Moreover, wisdom has prepared a great banquet. The meat and drink are prepared and the table has been furnished.  Are you ready to be seated?  Wisdom allows you to be in an elite place in life.  

9:3-5 "She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, 4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled." God is no respecter of persons so He invites all who will hear to come to the great banquet of wisdom and understanding. A double thought is at hand. First, is the invitation to freely receive wisdom and understanding. The second is the personification of Wisdom in Christ. He as well stands and invites all who will come to receive the wisdom that is in Him. It begins with salvation. Matthew 11:28-29, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Wisdom and Christ invite all who will hearken to come and receive the richness each offers.

9:6 "Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding." We now have a direct admonition to forsake the foolish.  Foolishness can be seen in individuals, and in groups.  The clear command is to stay clear of those who do not heed the teachings of Scripture and of Christ.  Choosing to avoid the foolish leads to life, spiritually and otherwise. Verse six concludes by directing us to pursue the way of understanding.  

So vivid and clear is the invitation of wisdom, and it should not be ignored.  Get into God's Word, fellowship with God's people, and make sure to involve yourself in a good Bible preaching church. 

I want to end with the lyrics of the first verse and chorus of the song, "Come and Dine" written by Charles B. Widmeyer:

Jesus has a table spread. Where the saints of God are fed, He invites His chosen people, “Come and dine”; 

With His manna He doth feed. And supplies our every need: Oh, 'tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time! 

“Come and dine,” the Master calleth, “Come and dine”;
You may feast at Jesus’ table all the time;
He Who fed the multitude turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now, “Come and dine.” 

Your Friend and His,

Pastor Abbott