Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 256 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Proverbs [9:13]-18 – Folly Calls for a Hearing

Thank you for joining us for our 7 days a week, 7 minutes of wisdom podcast. This is Day 256 of our trek, and this will be our last day in camp for a while as we search for the nuggets of wisdom found in Proverbs 9:13-18. Yesterday we explored Proverbs 9:7-12 where King Solomon presented the closing arguments for the woman Wisdom in her court hearing before the city gates.  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. Our travels on Thursday of this week will take us to Atlanta where we will drop Paula’s mom off at her sister’s place, and then we will fly on to Phoenix to spend four days working with our construction project in Mesa. It is in very capable hands with our friends and partners Charles and Alison Mecom, but it is good to get close to the project every few months. We will be back in Charlotte for part of the next week before heading back to The Big House in Marietta on the 19^th. It is an exciting season of life but challenging and tiring at times. I don’t think we will suffer from boredom anytime soon.

For today, we will spend one final day at camp around the campfire making some s’mores and listening to the final portion of the third of three great poems written by King Solomon. We will need to be transported back in time for one more day as we complete our exploration of Proverbs 9. Let us imagine ourselves once again outside the city gates of Jerusalem. Today we have the opposing council who is calling for a hearing. It is the lawyer Folly.  She will present a short testimony called…

Folly Calls for a Hearing

We find out that Folly has a house in the city walls, and she is shouting her testimony from there attempting to capture the simple and foolish people coming into the city. I will read Proverbs [9:13]-18,

¹³ The woman named Folly is brash.
She is ignorant and doesn’t know it.
¹⁴ She sits in her doorway
on the heights overlooking the city.
¹⁵ She calls out to men going by
who are minding their own business.
¹⁶ “Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says,
¹⁷ “Stolen water is refreshing;
food eaten in secret tastes the best!”
¹⁸ But little do they know that the dead are there.
Her guests are in the depths of the grave.

In verse 13, we see the opposing counsel is a lawyer called Folly. She is a crude brash person, unlike Wisdom, who was well mannered and peaceful. As with many arrogant people, she was also ignorant but was oblivious to this fact.

As we move onto verse 14, we remember that the woman called Wisdom prepared a fine meal for her guests. Wisdom even built a splendid house for them with the 7 columns that represented wisdom’s attributes.

But the lawyer Folly is lazy. Folly did none of these things. She does not even stand to invite her guests. We find her sitting in her doorway which was built high on the wall of the city. Calling from the high places was common, but sitting while making the proclamation showed disrespect.

The messages of the two lawyers both come from the highest place in the city, so everyone will hear both messages. Nobody will miss them. Everyone will receive both invitations. We cannot accept both invitations. We must choose. Either we follow Wisdom or Folly.

In verse 15 she is tempting those who are going about the business of life. Just like the Wisdom-Trek podcast, Solomon compares life to a trek that we take as part of everyday life. We need to understand that our service to God is doing what we do every day and doing it well.  No matter how mundane or insignificant, it may seem, living our life for God is never mundane. We must not be tempted away from doing what God has given us. Folly wants to destroy our lives.

In verse 16, the lawyer Folly also calls “simple” people and those who lack good judgment. Foolish people have already joined Folly. The simple people have not yet decided. The woman Folly tries to persuade them. She wants to tempt them from the path of living faithfully each day.

In verse 17, Folly also offers a meal to her guests. However, her meal does not belong to her. She stole the water. Her food must be eaten in secret.  What Folly is actually referring to here is having a meal of unfaithfulness. This could be unfaithfulness in marriage, in a workplace, to a friend, or in business. Any unfaithfulness in life is also unfaithfulness to God.

The woman tempts the simple man with evil ideas. Solomon is thinking about all evil things, not just unfaithfulness. If we are foolish, then we will choose to do evil things. If we refuse to be wise, then we also refuse to follow God.

Evil actions might feel “good.” Evil actions might feel “wonderful.” These are only feelings; they are not reality. The reality is that evil behavior is always wrong. The reality is that evil behavior will destroy us. The reality is that God hates all evil things.

The final verse is 18.  Those who feast at the banquet that the lawyer Folly has prepared will never leave the banquet, but not by their own choice. The lawyer Wisdom held a banquet that will bring a rich and satisfying life for all eternity. Her food gives life. The lawyer Folly has prepared a banquet that will bring death. Her food is poisonous. Her guests are in the depths of the grave.

We all have a choice. We can believe the testimony of the lawyer Wisdom and have life eternal, or we can believe the testimony of the lawyer Folly and have death eternal. God wants us all to learn to be wise. What is your choice?  This has been a great time of learning around the campfire for the past 11 days. Tomorrow we will be back on the trails as we start a new trek. 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:

1. Leave us feedback about the podcast on Wisdom-Trek.com, so we can continually improve.
2. On your smartphone, subscribe on iTunes, GooglePlay, Spreaker, Soundcloud or Stitcher, so the podcast will be downloaded to you automatically each day.
3. On your computer or if you have an iPhone or iPad, leave us a rating and review on iTunes.
4. Share Wisdom-Trek with your family and friends through email, Facebook, Twitter, or in person so they can come along with us each day.

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!

Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 255 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Proverbs 9:7-12 – Closing Arguments #2

Thank you for joining us for our 7 days a week, 7 minutes of wisdom podcast. This is Day 255 of our trek, and for the next two days, we will remain in camp as we search for the nuggets of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs Chapter 9. Yesterday we explored Proverbs 9:1-6 where King Solomon is presenting the closing arguments for the woman Wisdom in her court hearing before the city gates. Wisdom’s integrity has been validated by her hard work and hospitality. 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. I am sure that I am not alone in the feeling of being overwhelmed at times with the amount of responsibilities and obligations that we have in our lives. This week is one of those times. There is a considerable amount of client work that needs to be completed before leaving for Mesa, Arizona on Thursday. I will have to take some of my own medicine and “eat the elephant one bite at a time.” I did make good progress on my review of Your Life Plan Blueprint on our way to and from the Biltmore Mansion on Sunday. We will continue steadfastly on that project as time permits. Hopefully our travels this week will allow for some editing on that project.

We will need to travel back in time for a couple more days as we complete our investigation of Proverbs Chapter 9.  Let us visualize ourselves once again outside the city gates of Jerusalem. King Solomon is about to start day two of closing arguments for the hearing that was called by the lawyer Wisdom.

This will be the last part of the section called…

Wisdom Calls for a Hearing

Solomon will compare and contrast those who reject and those who accept Wisdom’s case as we read Chapter 9:7-9

⁷ Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.
Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
⁸ So don’t bother correcting mockers;
they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
and they will love you.
⁹ Instruct the wise,
and they will be even wiser.
Teach the righteous,
and they will learn even more.

In verse 7 Solomon calls the foolish person, a mocker.  They mock others, and they also mock God. They will never listen to you. They refuse to follow advice. They refuse all correction.  They have rejected Wisdom’s pleadings and have chosen the path of foolishness.

The first part of verse 8 takes it one step further telling us that a mocker will hate those who attempt to correct them. This is contrasted with a wise person, or someone seeking wisdom. A wise person learns from the person who gently shows them their errors. If you love a person who is willing to correct you out of their love for you, then you are really wise.

Verse 9 tells us that you will know if someone is wise and living right because they will take the correction and instruction of others and become wiser and more knowledgeable.

Solomon now concludes his closing arguments in verses 10-12 by stating where wisdom truly comes from and the final benefits of obtaining that wisdom.

 ¹⁰ Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

¹¹ Wisdom will multiply your days
and add years to your life.
¹² If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Verse 10 shows us clearly that any strong building or a strong life will have a strong foundation. Respect for God and His Holiness is the very foundation of all wisdom. We cannot have true wisdom in our lives without knowing and respecting God. The acknowledgment of this shows that we have good judgment.

God must be first in our lives. God is more important than our businesses. God is more important than our friends. God is even more important than our families. Christ answered this question from a religious leader of his day, which makes our priorities clear in Matthew 22:36-38, “‘Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?’  Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”

We move onto verses 11-12 in Solomon’s final statements of the closing arguments for Wisdom’s hearing, and he shares the additional benefits.

Like a tender mother, Wisdom will protect us like her child. She will keep us from harm, and she will correct and disciple us when we need it. Because of the care that she has for us, we will be less likely to make stupid decisions in life. This will multiply our days and add years to our life. If we choose to follow Wisdom, we will be the ones to benefit. If we choose not to follow Wisdom, we will be the one to suffer. The choice is ours.

Solomon has concluded his closing arguments, and this is the final speech presented by Wisdom in the book of Proverbs. The third great poem of Solomon is also approaching its end.

Have you been convinced by the hearing and testimony of the lawyer Wisdom? Are you ready to accept her arguments and choose wisdom?

Just when we thought the hearing would be over, Wisdom’s adversary Folly shouts out from her home built high on the city wall to those sitting at the city gates. She does not want to miss the opportunity to present her case to the judges and elders gathered there.  This second woman is also shouting out. She also has an invitation. She too offers a meal. If you are simple, then you might confuse this other woman with Wisdom. If you are simple, then you might make a terrible mistake. We will finish Proverbs Chapter 9 tomorrow as Folly Calls for a Hearing. 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:

1. Leave us feedback about the podcast on Wisdom-Trek.com, so we can continually improve.
2. On your smartphone, subscribe on iTunes, GooglePlay, Spreaker, Soundcloud or Stitcher, so the podcast will be downloaded to you automatically each day.
3. On your computer or if you have an iPhone or iPad, leave us a rating and review on iTunes.
4. Share Wisdom-Trek with your family and friends through email, Facebook, Twitter, or in person so they can come along with us each day.

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!

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:

1. Leave us feedback about the podcast on Wisdom-Trek.com, so we can continually improve.
2. On your smartphone, subscribe on iTunes, GooglePlay, Spreaker, Soundcloud or Stitcher, so the podcast will be downloaded to you automatically each day.
3. On your computer or if you have an iPhone or iPad, leave us a rating and review on iTunes.
4. Share Wisdom-Trek with your family and friends through email, Facebook, Twitter, or in person so they can come along with us each day.

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!