I learned something new today! In looking at some commentary on Proverbs 9, I found that this is the third invitation given by wisdom. The first is found in Proverbs 1:22-23 and is to the simple, the scorner and the fool:
22How long, O simple ones [open to evil], will you love being simple? And the scoffers delight in scoffing and [self-confident] fools hate knowledge? 23If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you.
The second is to the simple and the fool because the scorner has laughed at wisdom. This is found in Proverbs 8:5-6:
5O you simple and thoughtless ones, understand prudence; you [self-confident] fools, be of an understanding heart. 6Hear, for I will speak excellent and princely things; and the opening of my lips shall be for right things.
The fools weren't interested in wisdom, so the third invitation was to the simple to join the wisdom "feast". This is found in Proverbs 9:4-6:
4Whoever is simple (easily led astray and wavering), let him turn in here! As for him who lacks understanding, [God's] Wisdom says to him, 5Come, eat of my bread and drink of the [spiritual] wine which I have mixed. 6Leave off, simple ones [forsake the foolish and simpleminded] and live! And walk in the way of insight and understanding.
Don't be a scorner or a fool! "Simply" love wisdom and seek wisdom with your whole heart. The results are well worth the effort! Verses 10-11:
10The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding. 11For by me [Wisdom from God] your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased.
The fear of the Lord is the reverent and worshipful awareness of His presence. And remember, His presence, if you are a born again believer, is INSIDE OF YOU!!! When wisdom comes and is heeded, the results are a long life filled with God's richest and best! GET WISDOM!
In John 19 we see Jesus being scourged, made to wear a robe and a crown of thorns, mocked and then presented to the crowd like that. Below is a picture taken on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem of a thorn bush that is most likely the type of thorns used in the "crown" they forced Jesus to wear. Do you get a better picture now of the torture He went through? And He STILL thinks YOU were worth it all! Thank You, Lord Jesus! AMEN!
They didn't understand at the time Who Jesus was, but the bible says there will be a day when EVERY knee will bow and every tongue confess that He truly IS Lord! It will be when John 19:37 is fulfilled:
37And again another Scripture says, They shall look on Him Whom they have pierced.
Let's continue to give them the opportunity to do so NOW, while it is still their choice and will result in New Life for them! AMEN!
In 2 Samuel 5 we see David made King over all of Israel and Judah. I noticed something interesting in verse 12:
12And David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel and that He had exalted his kingdom for His people Israel's sake.
David "perceived", the Hebrew word "yada`", which means: to to find out, to learn to know, to discern, to recognize, to admit, to acknowledge, to confess, that it was the Lord Who had established David as king over Israel, and that it was for the sake of God's people! A ruler who recognizes his responsibility to God and his people is a tremendous leader! Oh for leaders of that sort today! AMEN!
Then in 2 Samuel 6 we see David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem where it belonged. He is celebrating with his people and dancing before the Lord. I have heard many accounts of this and some say David danced with no clothes on. That is NOT what it says here. Verse 14:
14And David danced before the Lord with all his might, clad in a linen ephod [a priest's upper garment].
David wasn't naked, he was simply dancing in his priestly garments instead of his majestic, kingly garments! That's what Michal despised. She wanted him to show everyone that he was king and he simply wanted to rejoice before the Lord. God had made him king BECAUSE of that heart that loved God first! I pray for good and Godly leaders for our nation and other nations that will make it known that they love and serve the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, in Jesus' Name! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
