Read Proverbs 9:1-18.

Introduction⤒🔗

On graduation night, Dennis Plummer packed his knapsack, gave his remaining clothes to friends, entrusted his car keys to his mom and dad, flew to Maine, and there began his journey.

Dennis Plummer was a college graduate who spent the next three years walking up and down and all across America. He journeyed from Maine to Florida, then north to Minnesota, then south to Texas, back up through Colorado and Washington State, then down along the west coast to the Mexican border. Along the way he picked up a variety of odd jobs: a steward on a luxury yacht, a huckster at a carnival, a farmhand on an Amish farm.

In the course of his journey, Dennis encountered a myriad of lives: he mingled with cocaine dealers and prostitutes on the streets of New York; he played checkers with retired farmers in a small-town Minnesota café; he slept in countless backyards and had dinner at as many American tables across the country.

Listening to Americans throughout the course of his journey, Dennis has heard one question beneath the surface of their lives: Where is something that is meaningful? In Dennis’ words, “The number one killer in America is boredom. From region to region, and city to country, the way people search for meaning differs, but their search is the same.”¹

Maybe you can identify with what Dennis found as he interviewed America: the quest for something meaningful. Maybe on a spiritual level, you can identify with Dennis on his 3-year journey: constantly on the move, with no permanent residence, no long-term commitments, no clear-cut destination. Maybe you are a spiritual drifter; if so, Proverbs 9 has an urgent message for you: become a disciple of Christ.

Become a Disciple of Christ, if You are Presently a Spiritual Drifter←⤒🔗

To determine whether or not you fit the description of a spiritual drifter, all you need do is compare yourself with the various types of men described in this passage of Proverbs.

Verses 7-8a describe “the scoffer.” This is the individual who is absolutely hardened and settled in the way of godlessness, as though he were set in concrete. The scoffer is one who arrogantly assumes the place of God, setting himself in the judgment seat: “Blessed is the man who does not...sit in the seat of scoffers” (Psl. 1:1). What Psalm 1:1c is describing is the man who sits in the seat reserved for God, making himself the judge and authority of right and wrong, truth and error.

The Apostle Paul’s description of the anti-Christ is the description of the ultimate scoffer: “the man of lawlessness... 'opposes and exalts himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped; so that he sits in the temple of God, presenting himself as God” (2 Thess. 2:3-4). The scoffer has so far removed himself from God that he actually thinks he is beyond the reach of God; he assumes that he is immune to the judgment of God. Consider the arrogance and self-delusion of the scoffers of Old Testament Israel: “Therefore, hear the word of the LORD, you scoffers... ¹⁵ you have said, when the overwhelming scourge passes through [the land] [i.e. when the judgment of God passes through the land like a great flood] it shall not reach us” (Isa. 28:14-15). The scoffer is one who will ridicule the very Word of God, as in the case of those to whom the Apostle Peter refers; they treat the Word of God with contempt and scorn, not with reverence:

³You may be sure that in the last days scoffers will come, expressing their scoffing, and living for their own evil desires. ⁴They will say, 'Where is [the fulfillment of] the promise that [Christ] will come? From the time the fathers fell asleep [in death] everything goes on as it has since the beginning of the creation.' 2 Pet. 3:3-4

Here is an individual who sets himself against divine wisdom and will not consider it: choosing to attack it rather than receive it and submit his life to it. “Whoever corrects a scoffer incurs abuse.” Whoever admonishes a scoffer receives contempt and rebuff for his effort. If you present the Word of God to a scoffer what you receive is a response of contempt: he will hiss and snarl at you with disgust and cursing. “Whoever rebukes a wicked man receives a wound;” whoever rebukes a wicked man receives abuse. If you endeavor to step in the roadway of an evil man driving the fast lane to hell, he’ll run over you: your efforts may literally be met with physical violence.

Verses 8b-9 go on to describe “a wise man.” In contrast to the scoffer who has a firm connection with wickedness, the wise man has a firm connection to righteousness. Note that, whereas the scoffer and the wicked man are spoken of together, so too are the wise man and the righteous man. A wise man has a humble spirit that is receptive to correction: “rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.” This attitude stems from the fact that he wants to be in a right relationship with the LORD and therefore he welcomes correction. He has the attitude exhibited by the Psalmist in his prayer: “²³Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. ²⁴See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psl. 139:23-24). A wise man has a teachable spirit hat has the capacity and the desire to grow in godliness: “give instruction to a wise man and he will become wiser.” He is the man who will heed the counsel given by the Apostle Peter: “earnestly desire the pure spiritual milk [a reference to the Word of God], like new born infants, so that by it you may grow in your salvation” (1 Pet. 2:2).

Verses 7-9 set before us two distinct categories of men. On the one hand, there is the scoffer and wicked man—the person who sets himself in opposition to the wisdom and Word of God. On the other hand, there is the wise and righteous man—the person who places himself in submission to the wisdom and Word of God. Whereas the former is the declared enemy of Christ, the latter is the disciple of Christ.

But in this chapter of Scripture you also find a third category: “the naïve.” The word translated “naïve,” or, “simple,” comes from the Hebrew root word, פָּתהָ, meaning “to open wide;” hence, “to be easily persuaded or enticed.” In Proverbs 14:15 “the naïve” is contrasted to “the prudent:” “The naïve believes every word, but a prudent man carefully considers his steps.”

“The naïve” may be described as follows: He has no strong Christian convictions that serve to govern his life and determine his decisions. He is easily driven by impulse and persuaded by his present company, whoever his present companions may be. He shows little discernment in evaluating opinions or suggested courses of action, and he has little concern for such evaluation. He seldom if ever bothers to look beyond the immediate present to the long-range consequences and outcome of his present actions and decisions. “The naïve” may be classified as a “spiritual drifter;” drifting in and out of contact with Christ, drifting in and out of sinful conduct. The naïve is not hardened in the depths of sin (like the scoffer), but he is certainly not committed to Christ (as is the wise man).

Are you a spiritual drifter? Do you fit into the category of “the naïve,” as opposed to that of the wise man or the scoffer? If you discover that you do fit the description of the naïve—the spiritual drifter­ this ninth chapter of Proverbs has an urgent message for you: Become a disciple of Christ.

Become a Disciple of Christ, rather than Heeding the Call of Folly←⤒🔗

Verse thirteen introduces us to “the woman Folly.” This “woman” figuratively represents such negative attributes as the lack of good godly sense and foresight; such foolishness is here personified as a seductive woman. She is described as being “boisterous” (i.e. turbulent, restless, unstable) and “naïve,” and she “knows nothing.” That is to say, her lifestyle and decisions are impulsive, uninformed by the knowledge and truth of God, and are reckless.

Verse sixteen indicates that “the woman Folly” especially directs her attention towards “the naïve.” He is a likely candidate for her seductions, for he is aimless, impulsive, thoughtless, and not rooted into Christ. He has a natural affinity and identification with her, they both are described by the same term: “naïve.”

Verse seventeen reveals the seductive approach “the woman Folly” makes towards the naïve: “Stolen waters are sweet, bread eaten in secret is delicious.” She focuses on the exotic, the exciting, the adventurous aspects of sin, the forbiddenness of that which is the object of temptation (“stolen waters are sweet”). Such a presentation of sin is especially appealing to someone who is impulsive, thoughtless, and lacking strong Christian convictions.

In verse eighteen we are informed, however, that those who accept Folly’s invitation, (i.e. those who accept her lifestyle and make it their own), and come to her, finally end up in “Sheol,” (which here must be given the full sense of hell: the place of damnation).

The urgent message of Proverbs chapter nine is, Become a disciple of Christ, rather than a disciple of “the Woman Folly.” In contrast to the call of Folly, let us heed the call of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls; ³⁰for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.Matt. 11:28-30

Become a Disciple of Christ, by Accepting His Divine Call←⤒🔗

In verse one the wisdom of God is personified as a noble woman who has prepared a great banquet. Her house is a beautiful and solidly constructed mansion. She has set her table with an abundance of delicious foods. She now sends out her maidens, and she herself goes out, to invite guests to this wonderful banquet held in this beautiful mansion.

 According to verse four, note who is the object of her attention: “the naïve.” She invites the spiritually unattached, the uncommitted, the spiritual drifter, to come and take a place at her banquet table.

From verses 5-6, note the terms of the invitation. All her finest food and accommodations are offered to the naïve; but he must give up his ways, (his ways of aimless, impulsive drifting; his desire to be in charge of his life, to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it), and place himself under her discipline.

The truth the LORD presents here by means of this poetic personification of wisdom is the same truth that is at the very heart of Psalm 23. When you receive the LORD as your Shepherd, submitting yourself to His lordship and leading, it is then that you experience the blessings enumerated throughout the psalm:

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing. [The LORD is committed to meet our needs, both physically and spiritually]. ²He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, ³he restores my soul. [He grants us His spiritual peace and blessing], He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

As previously noted, the truth the LORD presents here in Proverbs 9 by means of this poetic personification of wisdom, is the same truth with which He confronts us in the New Testament in such places as Matthew 11:28-30,

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls; ³⁰for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

The message of Proverbs 9 is this: Become a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, by accepting His divine call. Discipleship, (coming under the gracious and loving control of Christ the Lord), is not an option for those who are more serious about their Christianity, it is Christianity. Anything less is a soul-deceiving, soul-destroying counterfeit. Note the terms of the Great Commission:

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.Matt. 28:19-20a

Conclusion←⤒🔗

Are you a spiritual drifter? Do you find yourself roaming the spiritual countryside, looking for adventure, excitement, fulfillment? Are you searching the spiritual landscape for forgiveness, meaning, connection with God?

Are you a spiritual drifter? Are you drifting in and out of sin? Are you drifting in and out of contact with the Lord Jesus Christ?

If this describes you, then this passage of Scripture (Proverbs 9) serves as a spiritual crossroads before you. On the one corner stands Folly, urging you to become a lifetime drifter, until you are eventually and inevitably swept away into hell. On the other corner stands the Wisdom of God, an Old Testament poetic personification of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, urging you to become a lifetime disciple, so that you may experience the good life of the kingdom of God.

Discussion Questions←⤒🔗

1. How is divine wisdom’s “house” described in Proverbs 9:1?

Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. Prov. 9:1

Note: The “seven pillars” refer to the pillars that supported the upper floor(s) of the house: there was one pillar at each of the four corners, one pillar on each of the sides, and one pillar in the back, with the front of the house being an open porch. (C.F. Keil & Franz Delitzsch, “The Proverbs of Solomon, Vol. 1,” Biblical Commentary on the O.T., reprint., (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdman’s, 1970), 196. The emphasis on the “pillars” seems to focus our attention on the solid structure of this “house,” its durability and dependability.

What does the firm structure of wisdom’s “house” in a figurative way tell us about the durability and dependability of God’s Word? Note Psl. 119:89; Prov. 30:5-6,

Forever, O LORD, your word is settled [literally, stands firm] in heaven. Psl. 119:89

Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who put their trust in him. ⁶Do not add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.Prov. 30:5-6

2. What has divine wisdom prepared? See Prov. 9:2 What does this tell us about God’s good purposes for those who trust in Christ? See Psl. 84:11-12; 2 Thess. 2:14,

She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has set her table. Prov. 9:2

...the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from those that walk uprightly. ¹²O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusts in you. Psl. 84:11-12

[God] called you by our gospel for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.2 Thess. 2:14

3. To whom does divine wisdom extend the invitation to the banquet? See Prov. 9:4-5 How does Proverbs 14:15a describe “the naïve”? What is “the naïve” required to do if he would partake of wisdom’s banquet? See Prov. 9:5 What is Christ’s N.T. equivalent to this call? See Matt. 11:28-29 How have you responded to Christ’s call for you to put your trust in Him and become His disciple?

'Whoever is naïve, let him come in here!' She says to him who lacks understanding, ^5'Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.' Prov. 9:4-5

The naïve believes every word, but the prudent man considers well his steps. Prov. 14:15

Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls; ³⁰for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30

4. Who else issues and invitation to “the naïve”? See Prov. 9:13, 15-16 How is this “woman” described in Proverbs 9:13b? The “woman” called “Folly” appears to represent the various “voices” of the world vying for our allegiance; what are some of them? Note Prov. 1:10-13; Isa. 22:13; Mal. 3:14-15,

The woman Folly is boisterous; she is naïve and knows nothing... ¹⁵She calls to those who pass by, to those who are going about their business, saying, ^16'Whoever is naïve, let him come in here!' And to him who lacks understanding... Prov. 9:13, 15-16

My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. ¹¹If they say, Come along with us. Let us lie in wait for someone’s blood; let us ambush the innocent without a [just] cause [for doing him harm]. ¹²Let us swallow them up alive, like Sheol; let us devour them, like those who descend into the pit.¹³We will get all sorts of valuable things; we will fill our houses with plunder. Prov. 1:10-13

There was joy and revelry, [there was the] slaughtering of cattle and the killing of sheep, [there was the] eating of meat and the drinking of wine! You said, 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die!' Isa. 22:13

You have said, 'It is vain to serve God; what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance? ...¹⁵...for those who practice wickedness are built up; indeed, [those who] tempt God go free!' Mal. 3:14-15

5. What are we told about the fate of those who accept “Folly’s” invitation to become “her” disciples? See Prov. 9:18 Do you take seriously the LORD’s warning concerning the final consequence of sin? See Prov. 1:24-26, 29-31 As a Christian, are you taking seriously the LORD’s exhortation found in Jn. 15:4-6 and 2 Peter 3:18?

...the dead are there; her guests are in the depths of Sheol. Prov. 9:18

Because you refused to listen when I called—I stretched out my hand, but no one paid attention; ²⁵you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke. ²⁶Therefore, I will laugh at your calamity...²⁹Because they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD— ³⁰they would not accept any of my advice, they despised my rebuke—³¹therefore, they will eat the fruit of their way and be filled with [the consequences of] their own decisions. (Prov. 1:24­-26, 29-31

...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... 2 Pet. 3:18

Abide in me, and I [will abide] in you. The branch cannot bear fruit by itself, it must abide in the vine; so neither can you [bear fruit], unless you abide in me. ⁵I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in me and I in him, he is the one who bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and withers. Jn. 15:4-6