In the last chapter wisdom is seen in Him who formed the earth and prepared the heavens, whose “delights were with the sons of men.” Here in chapter 9 the fruits of these delights are seen. Wisdom has made her habitation among men and is personified as a benefactress in contrast with the influence of evil. Sovereign in her own realm, she builds her house, provides her feast, sends out the invitation and presses the invited guests to come.
“Wisdom hath builded her house” a place of protection and instruction. “She hath hewn out her seven pillars” — the supporting structure or the principles which God has provided through His Word, through which alone peace and justice can be established for mankind on this earth.
“She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table” — everything has been provided for man’s welfare. “She hath sent forth her maidens”—her messengers — to invite all who desire to obtain this understanding which she alone can give.
To the simple she says, “Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.” How unselfish and generous the love of God as expressed in the feast He has spread for man. But she also declares the negative side: “Forsake the foolish, and live.” As with the prodigal in Luke 15, the bread and the wine are the provisions of the Father’s house that are waiting for him to feed on when he returns, but there must be the breaking off from that which destroys him. “Forsake the foolish”—the foolish place, the foolish company, and the foolish employments — “and live.” Life and death hang in the balance of this decision. The Lord by His prophet of old uttered in the ears of men the brief command, “Turn ye from your evil ways, ... for why will ye die?” Ezek. 33:1111Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11). In a later day, in His own blessed Peon, with grief of heart He had to say, “Ye will not come to Me that ye might have life.” John 5:4040And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:40). But those who do turn to Him find life, joy and peace for their souls.
But if there are those who through grace come desiring to be instructed and fed, we find in this world those who despise this wisdom, and we are next warned against attempting to correct a scorner. Such a one has no scruples of conscience, but laughs at the good and boasts of evil. He glories in his shame. The gospel is surely for such but to attempt to reprove him will only end in disappointment and bring on a blot and shame on the one who does, for the scorner will not receive a rebuke and may only pour out in a worse way the deep hatred of his heart. “Rebuke not a scorner, lest he hate thee.”
On the other hand this same care exercised toward a wise man will be appreciated: “rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.”
Then we are told that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” By these the years of life are increased. This is clearly brought out in the gospel concerning our Lord Jesus Christ; for “godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Tim.4:8.
ML 10/15/1961