Someday I would love to do impromptu ‘open house’ evenings where I just pop up a note saying “tonight I’m making churros (… or chilli… or whatever) come if you can” – play some music and enjoy whoever turns up. There’s some problems with that of course, like quantities and diets, and a dozen other things but it’s something I love the idea of regardless.
Once we organised an afternoon tea for our street – popped invitations in boxes, made cakes and got ready. And no one came. When I checked what I’d sent out I saw I’d written Sunday, and we were ready on Saturday. Oops. Better that way round than the other, and lots did come the next day, though the cake was a day old 🙁 at least we were ready.
Another time I got ready for people who forgot to come. Ah well, the house was tidy and we had a nice lunch as a fam which was a bonus for us since leftovers is about as good as it normally gets here on weekends. 🙂
Recently I was challenged to go on an information fast. It was so good for me, I’ve decided to continue. This morning I was reading Proverbs 9 (reading the chapter each day that corresponds to the date) and forgot the information fast for a few minutes and went off researching different peoples thoughts on verse 1 – “Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars”. I was wondering about the 7 pillars and whether there is actually a set of 7 things that make up wisdom, or if it was a metaphor for the completeness, perfection, trustworthiness of wisdom, when I realised I was missing the mark.
The verses that follow are I think what God was pulling me toward… wisdom is beautiful… alive… invites us in… has laid out a feast…. it there for us… if we will see, desire and accept.
“She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.”
We don’t have to be wise before we come to Wisdom’s house – yet it IS wise to come.
Folly also has a house and shouts out her own invitation… “she is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!”
We’re invited to both houses.
We can feast at a table laid with good gifts, or the counterfeit which has its own appeal and sweetness.
Life and death.
Blessing and cursing.
Good and evil.
Wisdom and folly.
True and false.
Light and dark.
Choice.
And between the two contrasted invitations, a signpost – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says,“Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.
Proverbs chapter 9