Proverbs 9:1-6

“Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls from the highest places in the town, ‘You that are simple, turn in here!’ To those without sense she says, ‘Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight.’”

Lady Wisdom, personified throughout Proverbs, entices with warm bread, fragrant meals, and drinks all poured so with that full belly one may be open to truly learn. Many a teacher knows; you learn better on a full stomach and the wisdom and way of God is no different. She has thrown wide the doors of learning and the invitation has been offered; it would be rude to refuse. And, as Proverbs continues in this contrast of listening to wisdom is life or to ignore is folly, it is death to ignore. This analogy to agreeing to learning wisdom and trusting in God by agreeing to come to the banquet, is one Jesus employs throughout his ministry with the wedding banquet (Matt. 22:1-14) and the rich man’s party (Luke 14:15-24) too. To ignore the invitation and not accept Wisdom’s hospitality is rejecting God’s commandments. Why do so when everything offered is so delicious, and the gift is free? Come to the party. You won’t regret it. And you might even learn something.

Prayer

God of Wisdom and hospitality, in inviting us to the table we are truly a guest. We thank you and ask you to unstop our ears and may we never be too busy to enjoy the meal with you. In all ways, may we give thanks and take in the true sustenance of your holy meal, your holy Word. Amen.