In Today's Email:
Proverbs 7 Notes
In this chapter Solomon continues his fatherly advice.
vs. 1-5 – Solomon again exhorts his son to obey his counsel and seek wisdom. It will be a deterrent to the seducer and the flatterer.
vs. 6-27 – The strange woman reappears as Solomon recounts watching her seduce a young man who had not sought wisdom. Not in vs. 14 how she even uses religion to lure in her prey. She says she has fulfilled a vow that day by offering a peace offering. Portions of these offerings were brought home to eat in celebrations (see Leviticus 7:11-15). Again, the dangers of being ensnared be her described in the harshest terms.
Proverbs 8 Notes
In this chapter Wisdom is personified and speaks.
vs. 1-11 – Wisdom is again personified as calling out to be found. Wisdom is contrasted with the strange woman in the previous chapter. Both are vying for the heart of man, but only one is worth pursuing.
vs. 12-21 – Wisdom speaks and tells of the blessings of following her.
vs. 22-31 – Wisdom continues to speak and tells of being with God before the beginning. There are interesting parallels here to the Word, Jesus Christ, of John 1.
vs. 32-36 – Wisdom’s appeal. The choice of following wisdom or rejecting it is displayed in the same manner as the two paths of Psalm 1.
Proverbs 9 Notes
In this chapter Wisdom and Folly are personified.
vs. 1-12 – Wisdom is seen as the head of a house that has prepared a banquet. All are called to enjoy her benefits. The blessings and curses that follow the choice of the called are given.
vs. 13-18 – Folly is now personified as the strange woman. She too calls for passersby to take part in her sinful wares. Under whatever sweetness there may be in her goods, there is deadly poison therein.
Closing Thoughts
As we go through Proverbs I cannot help but return to Psalm 1 in my mind (and my notes). Solomon’s presentation of Wisdom vs. Folly is yet another description of the two paths of righteousness and wickedness. It is not just a practical or moral discussion. It is a deeply spiritual affair, as references such as 9:10. There can be no true wisdom without the One Who is infinitely wise.
Hymn for Today
Our hymn today is “The Encouragement Young Persons Have to Seek Christ” by Philip Doddridge. It fits well the parental advice of Solomon to seek wisdom through God.
Ye hearts with youthful vigor warm,
In smiling crowds draw near,
And turn from every mortal charm,
A Savior’s voice to hear.
He, Lord of all the worlds on high,
Stoops to converse with you;
And lays His radiant glories by,
Your friendship to pursue.
"The soul that longs to see My face,
Is sure My love to gain;
And those that early seek My grace,
Shall never seek in vain."
What object, Lord, my soul should move,
If once compared with Thee?
What beauty should command my love,
Like what in Christ I see?
Away, ye false delusive toys,
Vain tempters of the mind!
’Tis here I fix my lasting choice,
And here true bliss I find.