Last week, the lesson for us was that godly wisdom is eternal riches – unlike the fading riches of this world.  Today – we learn to listen to wisdom’s call. . .

Proverbs 9:1-12

 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

² She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

³ She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

⁴ Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

⁵ Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

⁶ Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

Here, wisdom is likened to a home maker, whose house is well kept, and furnished with comforts of food and drink.  Hardly anyone can deny the appeal of a well laid table.  In vs. 4 – wisdom pleads with “the simple,” to come and eat and drink their fill of the riches of godly wisdom.  Wisdom finishes by adjuring the simple ones to forsake foolishness, and LIVE in wisdom. 

The Proverb goes on to give an example for living in godly wisdom.  I can’t help but think of the recent debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham in regards to this Proverb.  See if you agree with me!

⁷ He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

⁸ Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

⁹ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

It is unfortunate, but true, that the only thing that was accomplished by that entertaining debate – was funding.  Bill Nye is a scorner – he proved that in his ridicule of the Bible.  God would call Mr. Nye a fool – yet the world loves him.  Scorners are not to be rebuked!  If you just look at the eyes of those two men – the difference between the flint hard glare of Mr. Nye and the tender expression of Mr. Ham’s is a good indication of the condition of the heart.  Scorners have hearts of stone.

Matthew 7:6
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Ken Ham will be blessed by God for his tenacious defense of the Gospel.  Was he shamed?  In the eyes of the fallen world – yes.  Bill Nye will receive the world’s accolades. 

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

¹¹ For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

¹² If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.