SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 9
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Let all who are simple come in here!” she says to those who lack judgment. Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. [Proverbs 9:4-5] Let all who are simple come in here!” she says to those who lack judgment. Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! [Proverbs 9:16-17] Do you remember those cartoons where a little demon and a little angel would sit on the should of a person, urging them to do or not do something? This chapter suggests that Wisdom and Folly are like them, beckoning us to join them and their way. We are the simple ones and every day we are enticed towards wisdom or folly. Folly often speaks louder, and more compellingly, but there’s a huge price to pay for the sweetness that is offered.
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’ [John 7:37-38] From the temple, Jesus ‘calls from the highest point of the city’ [Proverbs 9:3,14] – Come to me! He still calls, inviting people to ‘drink’ from His wisdom, life and Spirit. Choose Jesus and we will receive the Spirit of life and wisdom and blessing. But that little demon on the other shoulder disagrees. And that demon speaks loudly and convincingly. So many people reject Jesus’ voice, and accept the lie of Satan. Drink from lust, pleasure, greed, money, excess, self-reliance, and you will be really happy. Do what you want, when you want, how you want; don’t let God or religion tell you what to do. Make yourself happy in any way that works for you!
We see single teen moms who drank at the fountain of sexual freedom. We see gambling addicts delighting in the feast of casinos (arms upraised like in the Casino Rama ad, so happy!). We see alcoholics so happy as they do stupid things under the influence. We see couples so happy as their marriages crash through marital infidelity, and their children so happy that their parents were free to cheat and get a divorce!
Two voices call me everyday: Wisdom and Folly, Jesus and Satan, angel and demon. Each one offers blessing and happiness. Which one will I choose?
PRAYER:
Lord, I have heard both voices, and I am often enticed to choose the wrong one. Speak loudly, and help me to hear and choose You!
Wisdom or foolish, whose voice will I follow? LORD, Your word promises me that I will know my Shepherds voice. LORD, please sometimes there is just so much ‘noise’ from the busyness of life. Help me to remove myself from the ‘noise’ and listen for Your gentle whisper that is so sweet and pleasant to hear. Your voice calms me when I am worked up, brings peace when I am overwhelmed. LORD, I pray that I will only have ears for You so that when Foolish speaks I will be repulsed and run quickly to the safety of You.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. True knowing is only possible through Christ Jesus. This reminds me of Daniel and his friends – and the Lord gave them wisdom and understanding in all kinds of literature and learning.
Once again I start the day with the Lord. Today’s devotions for the 70 students we have on the third day of school, we start and finish with Him. He is our Help in each and every situation. Remember Paul and Silas and the earthquake – they sang songs of praise. No matter what happens I must know my Source because I know that He cares for me and loves me as one of His own. But it is so easy to fall back into our former ways of not caring, not sharing, insisting upon our own way. Once again, I must listen to the voice which tells me – This is the Way. Walk in it. I must be open to Christ’s leading. He knocks and I need to open the door. Come into my heart Lord Jesus – also this day.
Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay;
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
Out of my heart, out of my heart,
Shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus;
Shine out today, shine out alway;
Shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus.