Proverbs
9:1–10—In 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.
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.[2]
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 defended 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.[3]
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.[4]
– 11 August 2021
[1] Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[3] Collect for Peace, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St, Louis
[4] Collect for Pentecost 13, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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