The Way of Wisdom (Prov. 9)

[We regret that no recording of this sermon exists. Please see transcript.]

What is Wisdom? Where may it be found? How can the simple become wise?

These are the questions which the book of Proverbs seeks to answer.

The first 9 chapters show us the Way of Wisdom contrasted with the Way of Folly, providing a road map to understand the rest of the book. Chapters 10-31 are an assortment of the Wisdom of various Hebrew Wise Men, but only the one who has learned wisdom from chapters 1-9 will understand how to apply their teaching.

The Book of Proverbs a book written by a father to his son, training him in the way of wisdom.

Life is portrayed as a road, and as the young man walks down the road of life, he must choose between two women, and pledge his life to one of them.

The father introduces his son to Lady Wisdom in chapter one, and she warns him that those who reject her advice will destroy themselves.

Then the father goes on through the next three chapters extolling the beauty of Lady Wisdom, and tells his son that if he loves wisdom, and embraces her, then she will honor him and protect him. Then in chapters 5-7 the father warns his son against Dame Folly - the adulteress - the wayward wife, who is faithful to none.

In chapter eight the father brings his son back to Lady Wisdom and she unfolds before him the blessedness of life in her house - and declares that the one who finds her finds life, and receives favor from the LORD.

So here in chapter nine, the final contrast is being drawn.

It is time for the young man to leave his house and walk down the pathway of life.

Will you join Lady Wisdom, or Dame Folly?