000 Allen FMT (i-xxii) - The Presbyterian Leader

176 Proper 15 [20]/Year B
constant reminder in Israel’s worship then and now. God is pleased that
Solomon did not respond with petitions for longevity, wealth, or the
slaughter of his enemies (Solomon had already taken care of the latter),
but for a heart to do the right thing. And so God grants him what he had
asked plus all the things for which he did not ask—“riches and honor all
your life” (v. 13; compare Matt. 6:25–34; Luke 12:22–31).
Because we already know how the story proceeds, with Solomon’s failure
to remain faithful to his opening prayer for wisdom—he does not
retain a listening heart—we see that he sets himself a high standard to live
up to in his prayer. God gives Solomon everything he asks for, as God does
us—God always gives us everything that it is possible and appropriate for
God to give us. But that remarkable grace in no way frees us from the
requirement to use these remarkable gifts in trustworthy ways. Solomon
teaches us both lessons.
Proverbs 9:1–6* (Paired)
Proverbs 9:1–6 is an invitation from woman wisdom to attend a banquet,
while 9:7–12 provides reasons for accepting the invitation of wisdom and
9:13–18 is an invitation from woman folly. (For background on wisdom
and on the personification of wisdom as a woman, see Proper 19/Year B.)
Proverbs 9 uses an image familiar in Jewish literature: participating in
a meal which is a figure of speech for a way of life. The figure and the
meaning are connected organically. The way of life directed by wisdom is
as important to individuals and the community as food for the body.
According to Proverbs 9:1, wisdom has built her house with seven pillars.
While the meaning of the seven pillars is much debated, it seems logical to
see this image as an extension to the pillars on which wisdom, working with
God, set the earth above the primeval sea (Prov. 8:29b). Those who dwell in
woman wisdom’s house and eat at her table will not be overwhelmed by chaos.
The mention of slaughtered animals and mixed wine imply an exceptional
feast (Prov. 9:2). Woman wisdom takes the initiative by sending servant
women to call from “the highest places in the town,” from which
people are most likely to hear them (9:3). The invitation is to the simple
(those who do not know wisdom) to come into the banquet hall. Those
who accept wisdom’s invitation will eat of her bread, drink of her mixed
wine, and in the process “lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the
way of insight,” the way of God (9:5–6).
Proverbs 9:7–12 underscores why it is important to respond to wisdom’s
invitation. “The wise will love you” and will become wiser (9:7–9).