Proverbs 9 Devotional

An Invitation to Wisdom's Table

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”Proverbs 9:10 (BSB)

Proverbs 9 sets two meals side by side. Wisdom has built her house, prepared meat and wine, set her table, and sent her servants to invite the simple to come and eat (9:1-5). Her invitation is to leave folly behind and live. At the other end of the chapter, Folly sits at her door, loud and knowing nothing, calling to the same people with the same opening words (9:13-16). She offers stolen drink and secret bread, and she does not mention that her guests end up among the dead (9:17-18).

The difference is where each meal leads. Between the two invitations stands the heart of the book: wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD, and understanding comes from knowing the Holy One (9:10). Wisdom's banquet is prepared ahead of time. Jesus spoke of himself in a similar way, calling himself the bread of life and promising that whoever comes to him will not go hungry (John 6:35). The table is already set. The question is which voice we will answer.

To think about: Which invitation has been calling loudest to you lately, and what would it look like to answer Wisdom's instead?