This is a guest post by Jessica Howard who is “a lover of Christ, wife to Chris, mother to Clara, and Women’s LifeGroups Minister at 121 Community Church.” You can contact her on Twitter and on Facebook. If you are interested in writing a post for us, visit our Guest Post page. You can also view other guest posts by clicking here.
Solomon shares God’s wisdom to his son in Proverbs 1-9. Chapter 9 continues to show us the contrast between seeking wisdom in God’s word and making the decision to follow the pattern of foolish decisions. The image is a feast. The first part of the chapter portrays a wise lady preparing a feast while verses 13-18 reveal a “fallen woman” preparing a feast.
I was a nanny in college to a very dear family that shared God’s love with me, entrusted me with their children, and treated me like a one of their own.
The grandmother of this family is a woman I admire today. Her character and speech demonstrated wisdom and Godly counsel. She taught me etiquette at her own dining room table and then allowed me to teach her grandchildren. Her actions were full of love and marked by preparation and patience. From her example, I desired to grow in grace and kindness and began to see the value of wisdom.
We find out in Proverbs 9:10 where the beginning of wisdom comes from. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Wisdom comes from the fear of the Lord. What does that mean? Why should I fear the Lord? This type of fear comes from love and respect for God. Respecting God puts Him first in our lives, above anything else. This verse reveals to us that when we seek God first in the decisions we make, God will guide us with His knowledge and understanding.
But, we have to continue to seek Him.
Solomon was considered the wisest of all kings and still chose in the end to follow the counsel of those that led him astray and his son wanted nothing to do with wisdom. If we don’t seek God first for wisdom, we will receive false wisdom from those that desire to lead us away from God.
Like Solomon, I have feasted from the unwise table and found the fruit to be rotten. There are poor decisions in my life that I would want to change if I could.
I’m thankful for the example of feasting at the wise table where hope is on the menu.
At that table, God continues to guide me as I learn from my choices and brings my respect back to Him.
Feast at the wise table where hope is on the menu. (Proverbs 9)
A decision of character. A decision to follow God or not. A decision to change or not change. One choice. One…. Can make the difference in our lives. How are you imparting Godly wisdom to someone else?
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” – Ephesians 5:15-17
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16
“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
“Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, But in the hearts of fools it is made known.” – Proverbs 14:33
21 Days of Proverbs
Proverbs 1
Proverbs 2
Proverbs 3
Proverbs 4
Proverbs 5-7
Proverbs 8
Proverbs 9
Proverbs 10
Proverbs 11
Proverbs 12-15
Proverbs 16
Proverbs 17-19
Proverbs 19-23
Proverbs 24
Proverbs 25
Proverbs 26
Proverbs 27
Proverbs 28
Proverbs 29
Proverbs 30
Proverbs 31
