It’s Up To You

Proverbs 9:1-18

“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.  She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.  Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.” (Proverbs (9:1-6)

As we have seen repeatedly, wisdom is readily learned from the things around us, if we are willing to pay attention and learn.  Anyone who will make the effort to learn can reap the benefits because they are immediately available to everyone.  It is almost like thare was somebody standing out with a sign inviting everyone in to enjoy a free meal.

“He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.  Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.   Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs 9:7-9)

The Hebrew word translated “scorn” here means to make fun or mock others, to consider them contemptible or stupid.  Solomon says that trying to correct a person with such and attitude only makes them turn against oneself.  Like other wicked people, they do not like to have attention called to their wickedness, seeing it as an attack on them.

A wise person will consider the reproof, to see how it will benefit him and appreciate that the person cared enough to bring it up.   He will learn from what he has heard and do better in the future,  People who want to do what is right look for ways to improve.   

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.  For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.  If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.” (Proverbs 9:10-12)

Respect for God as an intelligent and orderly creator is the basis for all science and knowledge.  If the universe is not bound by certain logical principles, it would be impossible to predict what results a certain action would produce, and all science would be impossible, and knowledge would be worthless.  If there was no god to set things in motion, everything that happens would be the result of random events with no logical order or purpose. 

The more completely we understand who God is, the easier it is to understand what his plan is and how things work.  As a result, we can take actions that make our lives better and extend our lives, fo example by eating a better diet, or by avoiding certain activities.  The learning benefits the person who has it, even more than others.  A person who considers learning and doing right a waste of time will suffer the consequences all by himself.  He won’t be able to shift the burden to other people, no matter how much he blames them.

“A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.  For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.  But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” (Proverbs 9:13-18)

Foolish people are like a promiscuous girl.  Desperate for attention she throws herself at every guy she sees, never realizing that the guys she dates lose all respect for her or considering the consequences of her actions, the emotional damage that accrues, or the trouble resulting from pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.    Instead she focus on the immediate pleasure and encourages others to do the same.  The pleasure is fleeting but the consequences may last for eternity.   Each person chooses whether they want to be wise or foolish..