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

Given this situation, the writer underscores the point that the fear of God
(i.e., reverence for God and seeking after God’s ways) is “the beginning of
wisdom” (9:10). Wisdom herself will multiply the days and years of those
who follow her (9:11).
The writer warns the congregation against the feast of the foolish
woman (on whom see Proper 19/Year B). Note that she imitates woman
wisdom in almost every respect: sitting at the high places, inviting people
in, even speaking specifically to the simple (Prov. 9:14–16). The foolish
one teaches things that violate practices that are necessary for maintaining
vital community. When the foolish woman says that “stolen water is
sweet” (9:17a) she probably recalls the use of water imagery to speak of
sexuality in Proverbs 5:15–19 and here refers to adultery. To “eat bread in
secret” (9:17b) may invoke a secret, illicit liaison as in Proverbs 7:6–23.
While such terminology can, of course, refer to actual sexuality (and its
misuse outside the covenant of marriage), Jewish writers sometimes use
the language of adultery to speak figuratively of the unfaithful life. Fools
commit adultery. Those who join woman folly in such activities effectively
send themselves to the realm of the dead (9:18). The author here reveals
an essential aspect of folly: it offers as life-giving that which leads to death.
If the community learns to distinguish wisdom’s feast from that of folly,
they will find instead that “years will be added” to their lives (9:11b).
The text puts a choice to listeners: which invitation will I accept?
Proverbs 9:1–18 uses the picture of a feast to represent a way of life,
whereas John 6:51–58 (the Gospel reading for today) refers to actual participation
in the bread and cup. Nevertheless, on the positive side Jesus’
followers enjoy something akin to a Johannine version of wisdom’s feast
by eating the flesh and blood of Jesus, for that gives life in a way similar
to wisdom’s feast (John 6:57/Prov. 9:6). On the negative side, as a part of
justifying the tensions between the synagogues of Jesus’ followers and
those who did not follow Jesus, John polemicizes that the bread that the
Jewish ancestors ate in the wilderness led to death (John 6:58). The latter,
of course, is Johannine polemic.
Proper 16 [21]/Year B
Proper 16 [21]/Year B 177
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10–11), 22–30, 41–43+ (Semicontinuous)
Most of chapter 8 consists of Solomon’s prayer (vv. 22–53) to God at the
dedication of the Temple. It contains seven supplications: for persons who
sin (vv. 31–32), for Israel when it sins (vv. 33–34), for periods of drought