15 July

Bible In 365 Days                                                             

Proverbs 7-9

Proverbs 7

This is a second parental exhortation, and consists of a warning against the allurements of the strange woman. A graphic picture of the seduction of a youth void of understanding is given. The woman whom Solomon saw is still in our cities, and, alas, so is the youth void of understanding. The address closes with words of burning which tell the issue. The deceived youth passes to the place of slaughter like an ox, till physical nemesis overtakes him. Like a bird hasting to a snare, without consciousness that it means the ending of life, so goes the simple one to the place of sin. In order that it may not be so, this parental counsel is given. In the hour of sin's glamor it is good for the soul to look through to the end which is in Sheol and the chambers of death. When the voice of the siren is heard, it is good to pause and listen to the moan of the breakers on the shore of darkness and death, for to that shore the way of impurity assuredly leads.

Proverbs 8

The section containing the instructions of wisdom ends with two discourses, the first of which is the great call of wisdom. This takes up and deals more minutely with the call in the earlier part of the book. It opens with an announcement that wisdom is making its appeal everywhere amid the busy activities of life. Then follows her call.

This is, first, an appeal to men to attend (Proverbs 8:4-11). This they should do because wisdom speaks excellent things, and speaks in righteousness. Moreover, the words of wisdom are plain and more valuable than all riches.

The foundations of wisdom are next declared (Proverbs 8:12-14). Essentially, these are prudence, knowledge, discretion. As for man, the foundation of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, which expresses itself in hatred of all He hates. In such wisdom lie the secrets of strength.

Then the values of wisdom are described (Proverbs 8:15-21). All authority is based on it. It is the lover of such as love it. It yields all highest wealth to such as love it.

Next, wisdom claims age-abiding relation to Deity (Proverbs 8:22-31). Ere the beginnings of creation, Jehovah possessed wisdom. Through all the processes wisdom wrought with God, and God delighted in wisdom, until man, the crowning glory of all, gave wisdom chief delight. This passage may be set side by side with the prologue to John's Gospel, for fuller understanding.

The call ends with a final appeal (Proverbs 8:32-36). Those who attend to the call of wisdom are blessed indeed, and those who sin against wisdom wrong their own soul.

Proverbs 9

The last address is a contrast between wisdom and folly. Each is personified as a woman calling to youth. Wisdom has built her house, and spread her feast in the high places of the city. She calls to a feast of life. Folly in the garb of the evil woman sits at the door of her house, also in the high places of the city. She also calls to a feast, but it is the feast of death.

Between the two descriptions there is a passage revealing the fact that the effect produced will depend on the attitude of those who hear (Proverbs 9:7-11). The man who scorns, gets shame, and it is useless to reprove him. What, then, is this first wisdom that expresses itself in willingness to learn, and gains yet greater wisdom? It is the fear of Jehovah and the knowledge of the Holy One. In every city, on every street, by every door of opportunity, these two voices of wisdom and folly are appealing to men. To obey the call of wisdom is to live. To yield to the clamor of folly is to die, How shall we discern between the voices? By making the fear of Jehovah the central inspiration of life. By yielding the being at its deepest to Him for correction and guidance.