Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 254 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Proverbs 9:1-6 – Closing Arguments #1

Thank you for joining us for our 7 days a week, 7 minutes of wisdom podcast. This is Day 254 of our trek, and today we will remain at camp as we search for the nuggets of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs Chapter 9. Yesterday we explored Proverbs 8:32-36 where the woman Wisdom has finished the presentation of her case in a legal proceeding before the city gates. She has presented a strong case which we can learn from. Since each day’s trek builds on the previous one, if you miss any of our Wisdom-Trek episodes, please go to Wisdom-Trek.com to listen to them and read the daily journal.

We are recording our podcast from our studio at Home2 in Charlotte, North Carolina. On Sunday, we were able to attend our local church, and then we traveled to Asheville, North Carolina, to take the upstairs/downstairs tour at the Biltmore Mansion. It was very interesting to see several rooms that are not available on the regular tour. Paula and I always enjoy visiting Biltmore, as it was built at about the same time period as The Big House in Marietta and has some similar architectural features. Of course, Biltmore is a lot larger and grander, but it does provide some renovation ideas.

As we begin Chapter 9, which is the third of three great poems written by King Solomon, he presents the closing arguments in Wisdom’s hearing. Once again let’s transport ourselves back to ancient Jerusalem during the reign of King Solomon. We take our place among those that are seated just outside of the gates of the city.

The discourse and closing arguments that we will begin today will be presented by King Solomon himself and is still part of the section called…

Wisdom Calls for a Hearing

Solomon starts with describing some of the work that the lawyer Wisdom is completing in Chapter 9:1-6,

¹ Wisdom has built her house;
she has carved its seven columns.
² She has prepared a great banquet,
mixed the wines, and set the table.
³ She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.
She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
⁴ “Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says,
⁵ “Come, eat my food,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
⁶ Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live;
learn to use good judgment.”

In verse 1, Solomon supports Wisdom’s integrity as he positively describes the lawyer, called Wisdom, as a very hard worker. To adequately provide for those people who will follow her wise ways, she has built a great house with seven columns that are hand carved. Many times in the Bible, numbers have significant meanings. A basis for the 7 columns is that 7 is the number of completion or perfection, so the 7 columns of Wisdom’s house shows complete wisdom. As I studied this, I had to ask myself, what are the 7 columns that make up complete wisdom?

I searched for insight on this, both from other philosophers, students of the Bible, and my own study.  Some scholars point back to Proverbs 8 and list prudence, knowledge, fear of the Lord, counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, and strength. While these are good traits to have, I have settled on the fact that these seven columns are described in a letter written by Christ’s half-brother James. I came to that conclusion with the realization that if ultimately all good wisdom comes from God, then the 7 columns must be listed in God’s Word.

In chapter 3 of the letter written by James, there is a listing of what wisdom is not and then he describes what wisdom is starting in the 17^th and 18^th verses the passage  reads, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.  It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.  It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds.  It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

So if we are to follow the instructions from the lawyer Wisdom in her hearing and if we want to be wise, we will also be pure, peace-loving, gentle, always serving, full of mercy, show no favoritism, and sincere. Do you lack in any of these areas?

In Proverbs 9:2, we see that Wisdom has prepared a grand banquet for all who desire wisdom. The table is set, and the wines are mixed and ready. Her guests will not remain hungry. Wisdom has prepared everything that they need. All that is left is for the guests to arrive.

Just as Wisdom has prepared everything for her guests, God provides the things that we need. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Jesus said in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

In verse 3, we see that Wisdom certainly does not show any favoritism. She sends her servants to invite everyone to her banquet. All we need to do is to desire wisdom. The announcement is made from the highest points on the city wall so that everyone would know. It was their Public Announcement system of the day. Everyone can hear her message each person then has to make the choice on whether to accept her invitation to gain wisdom.

We see in verses 4-6 that she invites the simple and those who lack good judgment. Her table has plenty for everyone who chooses to come and follow wisdom. All they have to do is to leave their simple ways behind and then they can begin to live the rich and satisfying life that is available to them. In doing so, they will learn good judgment.

I find it interesting that the foolish are not included in these verses. While they would be welcomed, as we learned previously, a fool is someone who has chosen to reject God and the offer for wisdom. The simple person is someone that can be taught.

With the additional testimony of King Solomon during the beginning of his closing arguments, we see that the lawyer Wisdom presented a good case during her hearing. We also see that her integrity and concern for others proved that she was authentic and her testimony could be believed. Tomorrow King Solomon will present more closing arguments in the case, so encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

That will finish our podcast for today. As you enjoy your daily dose of wisdom, I encourage you to help us promote Wisdom-Trek in the following four ways:

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Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Every Day! See you tomorrow!