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Choosing the Way of Life

Proverbs 7-9

Proverbs 7 paints a vivid and heartbreaking portrait of a young man void of understanding, seduced by an adulterous woman. Solomon urges his son to write wisdom on the tablet of his heart as protection against such temptation. The chapter is not merely about avoiding sexual sin—it is about recognizing the deceptive allure of all sin and how it preys on the naive. The imagery is intense and dramatic: the young man is compared to an ox going to the slaughter, or a bird rushing into a snare. God’s character is holy, and He lovingly warns us through His Word not to be ensnared by fleeting pleasures that lead to destruction. The chapter closes with a sobering reminder: her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

In contrast to the seductive voice of the adulteress, Proverbs 8 introduces Wisdom as a noble and public figure calling out in the streets. She speaks truth, righteousness, and instruction. This chapter beautifully describes wisdom’s eternal nature, stating she was with God before creation and played a role in His creative work (vv. 22–31). This depiction draws a powerful connection to Christ, who is called “the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). Wisdom's call is not secretive or shameful—it is open, honest, and full of life. Those who love and seek her will find blessing and favor. “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord” (v. 35). This chapter invites us to pursue wisdom as a divine treasure, rooted in the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 9 presents two invitations: one from Wisdom and the other from Folly. Both women call out to the simple, offering a way to live—but their ends are dramatically different. Wisdom builds her house, prepares a feast, and invites all to turn in and live. Her house is one of order, truth, and righteousness. In contrast, the woman named Folly is loud, seductive, and ignorant. She offers stolen pleasures and secret sin, leading to death. The wise will heed correction and walk in the fear of the Lord, which is the foundation of all true knowledge. This chapter brings the previous teachings to a climax: we must choose which voice we will follow. Only one leads to life.

Proverbs 7–9 presents a powerful, moral crossroads: the choice between life and death, wisdom and folly, truth and deception. These chapters urge us to treasure God's wisdom, guard our hearts, and walk in righteousness. God's character is on display—He is not indifferent to our choices. In His love, He calls out with clarity and compassion, warning us of danger and inviting us to life. These passages point forward to Jesus Christ, who not only teaches the way of wisdom but is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Through Him, we can resist temptation, embrace truth, and walk in the fear of the Lord, which leads to eternal life and joyful obedience.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does the seductive voice in Proverbs 7 mirror the deceptive power of sin in our fallen world, and how can we guard against it?

  • What does Proverbs 8 teach us about the eternal nature of God’s wisdom and how it connects to the person of Jesus Christ?

  • How does the fear of the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, lay the foundation for our understanding of God's holiness and His plan of redemption?

  • In what ways are you being invited daily by both wisdom and folly, and how can you grow in discernment to choose life?

  • How does the redemptive story of Scripture equip us to recognize God’s voice and reject the counterfeit voices of this world?