Wisdom's Table

In Proverbs, we see that there are fundamentally two different tables we are invited to feast at in life. 

There is the table prepared by Lady Wisdom, who has built her house, slaughtered her meat, and mixed her wine. She sends out her maidens to call from the highest places in town, saying, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”  And even for those who lack understanding, Wisdom says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of my wine. Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding" (Prov. 9:1–6).

And then there is the table prepared by Lady Folly. She too calls out to those in the city. But she herself is simple and knows nothing. She has not prepared a feast, but instead sits in the doorframe of her house, with an identical invitation, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” But her invitation is not one to life but death. She claims stolen water is sweet and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But those who partake quickly discover that her guests are all dead and her door is the entrance to hell (Prov. 9:13–18).

Now who is Lady Wisdom? Proverbs 8 says that Wisdom was present at the beginning of creation (8:22–31). There are a few ways of approaching this theologically, but at the very least, Lady Wisdom is a type of Christ and points to Him, for Paul says that Christ is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24). And so here this morning, both Wisdom and Folly are calling to you. One offers life and the other death. 

Now note that Lady Wisdom’s call goes out to the simple. It is not a call to the already-wise, to the perfect, or those who are filled. It’s a call to those who know they are in need. It’s a call to those who are discontent with their own understanding. And it’s a call to you. Wisdom is saying come in, forsake folly, eat, and leave in the way of understanding. Leave with great blessing.

So heed the invitation, and come, and welcome, to Jesus Christ.