The 9th chapter of Proverbs presents a striking contrast between two voices that call out, compelling us to make a choice: will we listen to the voice of wisdom or the voice of folly? Both invite us to a feast, but only one leads to life. 

Wisdom is personified as a noble woman who prepares a rich banquet. She sets her table and calls out, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here” (verse 4). Her invitation is extended not only to the simple (those who have not yet learned life’s lessons) but also to those who are already wise. As verse 9 states, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be even wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” 

The meal that wisdom offers is not physical food, but understanding, discernment, and the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (verse 10). To accept her call means turning away from our own self-reliance and submitting to God’s ways, trusting that His word nourishes us more deeply than anything else! 

In contrast, the way of folly also calls out. The Proverbs describe a foolish woman as boisterous, who similarly invites the simple. However, her offer is deceptive. Verse 17 states that her appeal is, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” Her banquet may look appealing at first; it seems more exciting and satisfying. Yet Solomon warns that those who dine with folly fail to realize that her table is set in the depths of Sheol (verse 18), and her feast leads to death! 

This chapter reminds us that every day we can choose which invitation to accept. Wisdom requires humility and a willingness to be corrected, taught, and guided by God; whereas folly appeals to pride, secrecy, and selfish pleasure. The outcomes of these choices are vastly different: wisdom leads to a life of fulfillment, while folly leads to ruin. 

Today, let us ask ourselves: which voice am I heeding? Am I yearning for God’s truth, or am I being led astray by shortcuts that promise joy, but ultimately lead to destruction? Let us choose wisdom’s feast, for at her table, we find life!!