Thoughts on the readings for March 30th (Numbers 12, 13, Proverbs 8, 9, Luke 22)

Proverbs chapters 8 and 9 complete the first section of the book. Chapter 8 presents Wisdom’s appeal. Chapter 9 tells of two feasts to which the young man is invited. He must choose between Wisdom’s feast and Folly’s feast. Both Wisdom and Folly are personified as women making their respective appeals. Chapter 8:1-3 outlines Wisdom’s call. The call is open and fulsome – to all from every place. Verses 4-11 tell of Wisdom’s audience and explain why she should be trusted. There is no downside in trusting her. All the blessings and benefits shout out that she must be chosen; it is in our interest to choose her. Verses 12-22 describe Wisdom’s House, what she does and the rewards she gives. Those who respond to Wisdom’s call will understand the ways of the LORD and will choose to walk in those paths. Without wisdom kings and rulers are doomed to failure. David had so instilled these values into Solomon’s mind that when asked by God what Solomon would choose – he chose wisdom. Verses 22-31 are to be understood in two ways. Firstly that Yahweh’s wisdom characterised His Creation in the beginning. And, secondly it is a personification of our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing in creation was made without our Lord God focusing on creation’s relationship to Jesus. Jesus is the centre and object of the entire Creation. Both the letters of Colossians and Hebrews emphasise that.
Chapter 9 of Proverbs in verses 1-18 describe the rival feasts. Verses 1-6 tell of Wisdom’s feast. Wisdom’s table is prepared and she speaks of those to whom her appeal is directed. Verses 7-12 calls for an open mind to receive Wisdom’s words and the benefits that will flow from a mind open to truth and wisdom. Verses 13-18 by contrast tell of the feast of Folly and of the disastrous consequences to those foolish enough to choose foolishness. It is a matter of life and death for the choice you make. Compare the appeal of Moses in Deuteronomy 30:11-20 – slowly read aloud and ponder the path you will wisely choose.