Wrapping up the first section of Proverbs this morning. Over the course of these first 9 chapters, Solomon has made his appeal for men to embrace wisdom. The prize is worth the trip, he says . . . the benefits far outweigh the costs . . . the way of wisdom is far superior to the way of folly . . . heaven’s way is to be passionately pursued while the way of the world is to be rejected. And in chapter 9, wisdom and folly are, once again, personified as two women . . . and as you read this chapter you get the sense of how similar they appear to be and yet how different . . . how their appeals are so similar, but their outcomes are worlds apart . . . it’s a stark reminder that throughout life we encounter two voices. And ours is to decide which we will heed.

Wisdom has built her house, it’s foundation is the sure foundation of seven pillars (9:1). She has taken of what is hers and prepared a feast . . . she has slaughtered meat from her own flocks and herds, she has mixed wine from her vineyard, and made ready her banquet table (9:2). All legitimately hers . . . all prepared at her hand . . . authentic . . . real . . . substantial. And then she cries out from the highest places in the city, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! If you lack understanding, Come eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding” (9:3-6). The key here, I think, is that what she offers is hers . . . and it is real food, and true nourishment. She can deliver on the way of understanding . . . she is the voice of life.

But there is another “female voice” that cries out. Her voices is “clamorous” (NKJV), “loud” (NIV), “boisterous” (NASB), “brash” (NLT) . . . literally, her voice is a “troubled roar” or a “disquieted growl” . . . it is a predator’s voice. She, herself, is simple and she knows nothing (9:13). But that doesn’t stop her from calling out to those who pass by to share in her nothingness. Like Lady Wisdom, she too cries out from the highest places of the city, to those who pass by, to those wanting to walk a straight path (9:15). And her appeal is similar, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here” (9:16). But, she has nothing to offer . . . nothing that is legitimately hers . . . nothing of any substance that will last beyond a few fleeting moments of pleasure . . . her words are those of the adulterous, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasure” (9:17). It is the call by the simple to the simple to take of the forbidden fruit. But far from having any lasting nourishment, this fruit is the meal of the dead. Though she is enticing . . . though the “rush” of the pleasure is tempting . . . “he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell” (9:18).

Two voices . . . two ladies voices. Both calling out to the simple . . . both offering something to feast of . . . but that’s where the similarity ends. Lady Wisdom’s banquet is the real stuff . . . beginning with the fear of the Lord . . . serving up “the knowledge of the Holy One” . . . delivering true understanding and the needed GPS to navigate life in such a way that it pays dividends here and now and for eternity . . . “For by me your days will be multiplied, and the years of life will be added to you” (9:10-11). However, the female of folly, appeals to the most base of motivators . . . hers is the call of the sensual . . . of trying to satisfying the appetite of the flesh with junk food . . . of stolen pleasures and secret encounters. Two similar sounding voices . . . two identical calls . . . two promises . . . two very different outcomes.

Do I believe it? Is it true? If so, then the stakes are pretty high. Which voice is which? How do I discern? Which do I choose?

Lady Wisdom’s voice is found in the pages of the book before me . . . her voice is heard through the Spirit which indwells me . . . the food she offers is realized by the grace of the One who saved me. I’m thinking that if I pursue her . . . eat of the food that is legitimately hers to offer as nourishment . . . and drink of the living water that truly satisfies the thirst . . . then I will recognize the voice of the imposter . . . and know the lies behind her enticing appeals. Recognizing Folly’s voice, however, isn’t enough . . . I also need to say, “No!” . . . refuse the temptation of pleasure for a season . . . flee youthful lusts . . . stop my ears and cover my eyes from her seductive calling. Instead, I need to stay focused on knowing the Holy One.

My great desire is hear and know and heed Lady Wisdom’s voice . . . for the glory of God . . . amen!!!