Being Successful The Invitation to The House of Wisdom vs the House of Folly

Being Successful

The Invitation to

The House of Wisdom vs the House of Folly 

There are two houses in the Book of Proverbs.

Every Proverb in this Book either describes

the House of Wisdom or the House of Folly.

The Book of Proverbs also describes two paths… 

one path leads to the House of Wisdom

and the other to the House of Folly.

 Both of these houses are very large and throughout

the Bible, Wisdom and Folly are described.

One place in the New Testament that

describes these two houses is in Matthew 7.

In Proverbs, we see Wisdom calling out,

where in Matthew we see Jesus says…

“Therefore everyone who hears these words

of mine and puts them into practice is like a

wise man who built his house on the rock.” V.24

“But everyone who hears these words of mine

and does not put them into practice is like a

foolish man who built his house on sand.” V. 26

Proverbs 9:1 gives a brief description of the House of Wisdom.

“Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.”

The seven pillars tell us there is structural support to the house.

The number 7 in Scripture represents completion.

The seven pillars are not labeled but there are plenty

of scriptures, like James 3:17, that give us some idea.

We do not get a description of the House of Folly,

 but the Scriptures tell us in other places it

has no firm foundation and is in disrepair.

Both houses are personified, that

is there is a person at each house.

In both instances, a woman is described.

Both women sit at the highest point of the city V. 3 & 14

 It is at this point we understand what the chapter is all about.

Chapter 9 is about the “Invitation” of Wisdom and Folly.

The invitation is to the “Simple” in the city.

Wisdom and Folly say…

“Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense…”V. 4 & 16

The word “simple” means silly (having or showing

a lack of common sense or judgment; absurd and foolish.)

Naïve (lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment. Easily miss lead)

“No Sense” Sense is the heart, the center of a person,

to have no understanding in the mind, will, or heart.

We get a description of the “Simple”

and which ones go the House of Wisdom

and which ones go to the House of Folly.

Those going to the House of Wisdom…

 Must leave the way of simplicity and walk in insight. V.6

Must be able to receive instruction, no

matter how wise or righteous there is always

more instruction and teaching to receive V. 9

They will love those who rebuke them. V. 8

The first step to the House of Wisdom

is a healthy fear of the Lord. V. 10

Those going to the House of Folly…

Do not receive correction or rebukes. V. 7 & 8

In order to go to the House of Wisdom you have to change.

 You have to grow in knowledge and understanding.

 You cannot remain simple.

In order to go the House of Folly,

 you can stay the same because…

“Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing.” V. 13

The word Folly means foolishness, stupidity.

Which path are you on today… 

The simple path or the path of change?

What efforts are you making to become wiser?

You will find the “Welcome Mat” at both doors.

At the House of Wisdom, the meal is fixed

for you; it may be beans or something

else you don’t like, but it is healthy.

At the House of Folly, you can eat what

you bring, comfort foods like pop, chips,

sweets and fats; if it taste good, eat it.

You can be the know-it-all and

stay in your simple comfort zone.

  The example at both houses is food and drink.

 The reason...

 You need them every day,

throughout the day, 
no matter how old you get.

Wisdom is the same way,

 don’t miss a meal of it. 

Scripture Reading

Wisdom has built her house;

she has set up[fn] its seven pillars.

2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

she has also set her table.

3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls

from the highest point of the city,

4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

5 “Come, eat my food

and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;

walk in the way of insight.”

7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

rebuke the wise and they will love you.

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For through wisdom[fn] your days will be many,

and years will be added to your life.

12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;

if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

13 Folly is an unruly woman;

she is simple and knows nothing.

14 She sits at the door of her house,

on a seat at the highest point of the city,

15 calling out to those who pass by,

who go straight on their way,

16 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

17 “Stolen water is sweet;

food eaten in secret is delicious!”

18 But little do they know that the dead are there,

that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.