Unit: Proverbs
Theme: Pillars of Wisdom
Lesson Text: Proverbs 8:1-11; 9:1-6, 13-18
Supplemental Texts: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Aim: Spend the time and do the hard work required to cultivate a discerning intellect.
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By Mark Scott
Sometimes we just do not think. A former NBA player-turned-coach said, “We are going to turn this team around 360 degrees.” Would that not land the team right back where it started? Or what about the person who says, “There are no absolutes.” Did that person not just state one? Maybe we need a fountain of smart more than a fountain of youth. Discernment does not seem to be in strong supply today.
Many voices call out for our attention. But those voices are not all equal. Learning to pay attention to the right voices takes great wisdom. As the more “unified” section of Proverbs comes to a close in chapters 8–9, we hear two voices. They are the voices (and paths) of Lady Wisdom and Madam Folly. “Almost every verse in the remainder of the book points to one or both of these paths and/or consequences,” according to The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
Lady Wisdom’s Voice
Proverbs 8:1-11
In contrast to the “wily of heart” woman in Proverbs 7:10, the virtuous Lady Wisdom called out in the public square of life. She desired to be heard so she raised her voice. Since she wanted all people to hear her wisdom, she went to the highest point and where the paths meet (the crossroads where the public traffic is thick with people). She even went to the city gate (where court and debate were conducted in the ancient world). She did not confine her wisdom to a corner (Acts 26:26).
Proverbs 8:1-3 deals with the public nature of her voice, while verses 4-5 deal with the result of her voice: all mankind (not just the Jewish people) will move from being simple (foolish and naïve) to gaining prudence (shrewdness) and from being foolish to learning sense (setting their hearts on it).
The content of Lady Wisdom’s voice is in verses 6-9. She had trustworthy things (excellent, noble, or princely) to say, right things to speak, true things to voice, and just words to utter. Her voice contained no crooked or perverse (abominable or wicked) things. When her words are heard, there is a subjective sense that they are right. Much like Jesus taught in John 7:17, “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”
The value of Lady Wisdom’s voice is in Proverbs 8:10-11. It is more valuable than silver, gold, or rubies. In fact nothing can compare with her. And Solomon knew something about opulence (1 Kings 10:14-29).
Lady Wisdom’s Banquet
Proverbs 9:1-6
The rest of Proverbs 8 shows the company that Lady Wisdom kept (vv. 12-21), the origin of Lady Wisdom (vv. 22-31), and the plea of Lady Wisdom (vv. 32-36). In Proverbs 9, two banquets take place—one provided by Lady Wisdom and the other by Madam Folly. These “formal dinners” could not be more different.
Lady Wisdom’s banquet took place in a majestic house set up on seven pillars. While seven is a number of completeness in the Bible, this phrase probably should be understood that the house was large and spacious, maybe even luxurious. In this majestic house the exquisite meal was prepared (prepared her meat means the animals had been slaughtered). The wine was also mixed; wine in the ancient world often was mixed with water to make it go further.
Typical to ancient-world protocol, a second invitation was issued by the servants once the banquet was finally ready. The announcement was once again made from a most prominent place (highest point of the city). The invitation was for the simple to come and eat. By consuming Lady Wisdom’s food, foolishness can be jettisoned, and the way of insight can be embraced.
Madam Folly’s Lies
Proverbs 9:13-18
Madam Folly’s banquet was a mockery and sham compared to Lady Wisdom’s. The contrast is seen in the almost identical language describing them. Madam Folly was precisely what her name implied—stupid. She was an unruly woman (loud, clamoring, or turbulent). She was simple (seductive, naïve, and undisciplined).
She used an identical call to her banquet as that of Lady Wisdom: “Let all who are simple come to my house!” But she lied. She could not deliver. Whatever wisdom she peddled was stolen. Whatever nourishment she promised was coming from a secret (hidden) place. People who eat at her banquet end up getting food poisoning and find themselves in the realm of the dead (Sheol). To whose call do you listen, and to whose banquet will you go?
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