IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

Date: Oct. 15, 2023

Passage

Proverbs 9:1-18

The Way of Wisdom

9:1   Wisdom has built her house;
    she has hewn her seven pillars.
2   She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine;
    she has also set her table.
3   She has sent out her young women to call
    from the highest places in the town,
4   “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    To him who lacks sense she says,
5   “Come, eat of my bread
    and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6   Leave your simple ways, and live,
    and walk in the way of insight.”
7   Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
    and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8   Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
    reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9   Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
    teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10   The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
    and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11   For by me your days will be multiplied,
    and years will be added to your life.
12   If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
    if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

The Way of Folly

13   The woman Folly is loud;
    she is seductive and knows nothing.
14   She sits at the door of her house;
    she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15   calling to those who pass by,
    who are going straight on their way,
16   “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
    And to him who lacks sense she says,
17   “Stolen water is sweet,
    and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18   But he does not know that the dead are there,
    that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

In this passage, there are two invitations, one from wisdom (1~6), and another from an unruly woman (13-18). The consequence for each invitation is very different (7~12).

Wisdom has built her house and set up its seven pillars. She prepared a meal and wine and invited people even who had no sense, “Come, eat my food and drink the wine. And leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.” Wisdom will reward you!

Folly sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, “Let all who are simple come to my house! Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” Her guests are deep in the realm of the dead. Folly will kill you!

Only wisdom will give us life and insight. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (10). Jesus also invites us, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” (John 7:37-38).

Prayer: Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your invitation even though I am simple. Lord, open my eyes and ears to accept your invitation.

One Word: One Word: Wisdom will reward you

Daily Bread

Praise the Lord

Psalm 103:1-22

Key Verse: 103:1

Of David.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!

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