Thursday, 4 June 2020 Proverbs 9:1-12
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. -Proverbs 9:10
WISDOM is one of the main themes dealt with in the book of Proverbs. Proverbs Chapter 8 and 9 give us a brief discourse on WISDOM. 1 Cor.1:30 speaks of who our wisdom is: “Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God…” In 1 Cor.1:18-25 & 2:1-7 Apostle Paul describes the “wisdom from the Lord” and the “wisdom from the world.”
Wisdom from the Lord:
“…but we speak God’s wisdom…” (1Corinthians 2:7) Paul further explains this as the hidden wisdom that was with God. None of the rulers of this age has ever understood it. 1Cor.2:10 gives us the clue on how this divine wisdom will be received. “For to us God revealed them through the Spirit…”. It is the Holy Spirit who imparts godly wisdom!
In Exodus 31:3; 36:1-2 we can see Bezalel and Oholiab-very wise-hearted men who received the wisdom from the Lord for doing all the work for the Tabernacle. Deut.34:9 we read of Joshua, who took the leadership to conquer the promised land ("And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom..."). King Solomon, Prophet Daniel are few others who were filled with the wisdom from the Lord in the Old Testament.
In the New Testament Jesus’ childhood and growing years gives the picture of the growth of Wisdom in Him i.e. (i) filled with wisdom (ii) Increase in wisdom (Luke 2:40 & 52)
Secular wisdom: The Lord cast down the anointed cherub -the one who was full of wisdom-why? Because iniquity was found; he corrupted his wisdom. (Ezekiel 28:17). “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Cor.1:20)
Worldly wisdom thinks the claims of Christ to be foolishness. But, to those who are "on the path to salvation" Christ represents the wisdom of God.
In Proverb 9 we see Wisdom personified and in verses 1-5, four acts WISDOM are spelt out:
Wisdom Builds (Prov 9:1) Wisdom Prepares (Prov 9:2) Wisdom Plans (Prov 9:3) Wisdom Invites (Prov 9:5)
Wisdom Builds (Prov 9:1) Matthew 7:24 gives an idea of the wise man who built his house on the foundation of the rock. Who is our Rock? The rock of salvation (2Sam.22:47) -CHRIST JESUS. Be wise and build your foundation on CHRIST JESUS!
Wisdom Prepares (Prov 9:2) Luke 14:16-24 talks of a great man who prepared a great supper and invited his friends but they all alike made excuses and walked away. Be wise, just accept God’s call to salvation because the Wedding Supper of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and His bride (the Church) is going to be held soon. (Revelation 19:9)- Be ready!
Wisdom Plans (Prov 9:3) Here Wisdom planned and sent out her servants to call the simple (Prov 9:4). Jesus sent His disciples to witness - that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations. (Luke 24:47). Salvation is free (Eph.2:8). Be saved!
Wisdom Invites (Prov 9:5) Wisdom's invitation to eat her bread and drink wine is a symbol of life through proper wisdom and understanding. In the New Testament bread and wine symbolizes the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, which gives life to all who appropriate their benefits by faith (Matthew 26:26-30, 1 Cor.10:16-17,11:23-30). Be partakers of Him!
Thought for the day: The statues and commands of the Lord if carefully observed will bring you wisdom and understanding in the sight of others (Deuteronomy 4:5,6)