Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Wednesday prior to Proper 15

 

Proverbs 9:1–10In the Old Testament reading, we continue our education in the way of wisdom from the wisest man who has ever lived, Solomon. Here, he gives wisdom a personality, and we start to understand that the personification of wisdom is Christ our Lord, for it is Christ who invites us to eat of His bread and drink of His wine. These are His body and blood, which He gives for the life of the world.

The way of wisdom

Vv. 1-6 Wisdom’s generous invitation.

Wisdom has built her house,

She has hewn out her seven pillars;

She has slaughtered her meat,

She has mixed her wine,

She has also furnished her table.

She has sent out her maidens,

She cries out from the highest places of the city,

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

“Come, eat of my bread

And drink of the wine I have mixed.

Forsake foolishness and live,

And go in the way of understanding.

 

Wisdom has built her house: Proverbs 8 described wisdom as a woman with blessings and benefits for those who listened and obeyed. Now Solomon pictures wisdom as a woman of generous hospitality who invites all (Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!).

The primary idea is that wisdom’s house is large, well-appointed, and unshakable. Through the centuries, various commentators have not been able to resist seeing some symbolic meaning in her seven pillars.[1]

Pray for Peace: O God, whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world simply cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being def3ended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.[2]

Collect for Pentecost 13: Merciful Father since You have given Your only Son as the sacrifice for our sin, also give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His ways; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.[3]
Luther's Seal, Ed Riojas, © Higher Things

[2] Collect for Peace, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St, Louis

[3] Collect for Pentecost 13, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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