What's your favorite meal? What type of food do you like best—Italian, Thai, Indian, Tex-Mex, BBQ? Me? I like a variety, but I'm partial to spicy food.
Where do you like to eat when you go out? Most of us choose a place for its atmosphere or comfort, as well as the food. I figure if I can't understand the menu, it usually means it's more authentic.
It's funny how we can be more particular with what goes into our mouths than into our hearts and minds.
Scripture
Wisdom has built her house; she has made its seven columns. She has prepared her food and wine; she has set her table. She has sent out her servant girls, and she calls out from the highest place in the city. [vss 1-3]
She says to those who are uneducated, “Come in here, you foolish people! Come and eat my food and drink the wine I have prepared. Stop your foolish ways, and you will live; take the road of understanding. [vss 4-6]
Foolishness is like a loud woman; she does not have wisdom or knowledge. She sits at the door of her house at the highest place in the city. She calls out to those who are passing by, who are going along, minding their own business. [vss 13-15]
She says to those who are uneducated, “Come in here, you foolish people! Stolen water is sweeter, and food eaten in secret tastes better.” But these people don’t know that everyone who goes there dies, that her guests end up deep in the grave. [vss 16-18]
(Proverbs 9:1-6; 13-18 NCV) [Context– Proverbs 9]
Key phrase
She calls out to those who are passing by, who are going along, minding their own business.
Digging Deeper...
- What is being served at the first banquet table? [see An Open Invitation]
- How is Foolishness characterized? What does she not have?
- Where is she, as she calls out to people? What does she say?
- How are these two women (Wisdom and Foolishness) different? What are the contrasting things that stand out?
Make it personal...
If you're honest with yourself—Do you spend more time considering what food you eat than your food for thought?
Are there certain things that entice you and that you give in to, even though you know they're not good for you?
When was the last time you stopped to consider what you feed your mind and take into your heart?
What are ways you can choose to be more discerning in the morning and throughout the day?
Reflection...
Do you ever find yourself standing at the refrigerator (or pantry) wondering what to graze on? I have... too often. Most of the time I'm not in need of more food, if you know what I mean. I've also learned I should not go to the grocery store when I'm hungry. Who knows what I'll come back with!
Many people do the same with what they feed on with their heart and mind. They don't give much thought to what they view online, listen to, read, or watch.
Sadly, I know many people do the same with God's Word. "Where do I begin? What should I read"? It's too often easier to put the Bible down and pick up a remote or some digital media. If you want truth, if you want wisdom, then you need to be intentional and make wise choices.