May 31 / Proverbs 9:13-18

Proverbs 9:13-18 We end these first nine chapters of Proverbs with the personification of Folly, who somewhat gracelessly mimics Wisdom in calling to those who pass by (v. 15) with what sounds like the same invitation: “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” (v. 16; see Pr. 9:4) But the second part of her …

May 29 / Proverbs 9:1-6

Proverbs 9:1-6 Wisdom prepares a feast and sets her table. She sends out her young women to call from the highest places in the town (v. 3), and she invites… Whom? Her friends? Geniuses? The powerful? The rich and famous? No. Whoever is simple…him who lacks sense… (v. 4) That’s whom she invites. Her feast …

May 28 / Proverbs 8:32-36

Proverbs 8:32-36 And now, O sons, listen to me… (v. 32) This is now the third time we’ve read that exact phrase in Proverbs. (See also Pr. 5:7; 7:24.) Perhaps we should indeed listen and heed, for Wisdom herself promises blessing: Blessed are those who keep my ways (v. 32) Blessed is the one who listens to …

May 27 / Proverbs 8:22-31

Proverbs 8:22-31 Wisdom continues her proclamations, declaring that she was the first of [the LORD’s] acts of old (v. 22), that she was set up at the first, before the beginning of the earth. (v. 23) She goes on from there, expanding on what we read in Pr. 3:19-20 and describing her presence at Creation. …

May 25 / Proverbs 8:1-11

Proverbs 8:1-11 Today’s reading again personifies Wisdom as a woman calling to the children of man to learn from her, much as in Proverbs 1:20-33. Here are a few descriptors of what she offers: Prudence (v. 5) Sense (v. 5) Noble things (v. 6) What is right (v. 6) Truth (v. 7) Righteous words (v. …