Proverbs 9:1, The True and Tried Foundation

Posted on Posted in Devotions Tagged with ,

April 6, Proverbs 9:1

Matt. 5:1-2; 22:1-4 “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18).

The True and Tried Foundation

In Chapter 8 Wisdom spoke from highest Heaven. Here Wisdom has come near. He is seen (in type) as Incarnate, building His House and dwelling among men (Jn. 1:14). The seven pillars, an oriental feature, may indicate the perfection (seven) and strength of Wisdom’s House. Arnot suggests the seven things that God hates may be rubbish to be cleared from this foundation, and the seven Beatitudes are the pillars of truth erected here by the Master Builder (Jn. 14:2). Paul refers to the house of God, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tm. 3:15). The curse, having been removed, a feast is prepared, and the guests are bidden to come, for all things are now ready. Who can measure the blessings Christ brings? Consider the sevenfold picture of Wisdom revealed thus far in these Proverbs.

1. A Pressing Pleader (Pr. 1:20), crying without, How long will ye halt between two opinions? Ho, everyone that thirsts, come ye to the waters. Yet, Who hath believed our report? This Pleader was Jesus, the true Wisdom calling the sons of men (Jn. 7:37), but they press on heedless of their tragic fate without Christ. Will that include you?

2. A Priceless Treasure (Pr. 2:4) that we must dig for as the miner seeking silver or other precious ore. Don’t allow anything to turn you aside from this quest, for jewels do not lie on the surface. Wisdom’s pearl is worth selling all to buy it (Mt. 13:45-46).

3. A Healing Tree (Pr. 3:18), to be taken hold of, whose leaves are for the Life of the nations. The first Adam blocked the way to that tree, but a Second Adam opened the way to a better tree, bearing the fruit of immortality, in a better paradise (Rev. 22:2; 2:7).

4. A Promised Prize (Pr. 4:8), for when honoured, she will not let you down, but will promote you to the favour and fellowship of God. This prize will only be won by those who recognize Wisdom’s majesty and priceless value. Above all else, give it the throne-room of your heart. Truly, this is the principle thing; therefore, get Wisdom!

5. A Tender Partner (Pr. 7:4), whom I can dearly love, admire, and gladly approve as one of my dearest relations. We belong to the same family and not to that of the strange woman (Pr. 7:10). “If Wisdom is not loved, lust will be indulged” (Bridges).

6. A Safe Counselor (Pr. 8:14), a trusted Friend, consulted, listened to as the Wisdom of God (Isa. 9:6). The secret of strength is to believe in Him who says, I have strength.

7. A Wise Builder (Pr. 9:1), who builds this glorious edifice. Time has marred the most beautiful architecture of Greek wisdom, and the traveler is left to walk among the ruins. Nothing can touch this building, however, for its builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10).

Praise: “Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom” (1 Cor. 1:30).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for this perfect hope.