She builds her house. She prepares the food and sets the table. And then she sends out messengers and calls out to all with ears to hear:

“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

(Proverbs 9:4-6 ESV)

I don’t think the simple here are simpletons. That those who lack sense are seen as dolts. Wisdom isn’t calling out in judgment with rebuke in her words. Rather, she is revealing a condition.

The simple are the naïve. Those who have a limited appreciation of life’s greater context and thus, walk in a simple, or naïve manner. Those who lack sense are those with deficient understanding of life’s transcendent dynamics. With little awareness of things above their primary GPS is driven by the material world below. They walk according to sensual cues rather than an awareness of divine guidance. And so, Wisdom sets the table and extends the invitation.

And it’s clear that leaving your simple ways, walking in the way of insight, and living life as life was meant to be lived is less about what you do and, apparently, all about who you know.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

(Proverbs 9:10 ESV)

While the fear of the LORD — an overshadowing sense of self-debasing awe and reverence for the Creator — is the beginning of wisdom, it’s the knowledge of Him that brings insight and discernment. To know God is to navigate life as life was meant to be navigated. To grow in our understanding of the Divine is to flourish in the realm of the commonplace. It’s not what you do, it’s who you know.

Could it be that simple? I’m thinking. Is it easy. Hmm . . . nope!

Naturally we are most connected to the material. Instinctively we cede control to our senses. Simply we respond to the appetites of our flesh. Sinfully we default to worshiping ourselves. But remarkably, Wisdom seeks to intervene by setting a table at which we can grow in our knowledge of the Almighty.

Somehow, many have developed a disdain for pursing the knowledge of God. That’s a quest for the academic, some say. Knowledge puffs up, others warn. But what does Wisdom say?

Hear her call. Avail yourself of a seat at her table. There grow in the knowledge of the Holy One. And then go do life to the full.

It all begins with who we know and how well we know Him.

Really? That simple? Yeah, by faith I believe it is. Thus, I am going to trust it is and act as if it is.

Set me a seat at the table.

Only by Wisdom’s grace. Always for God’s glory.