Invitation of Wisdom

 Wisdom's Preparation

 Creation

 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. (Proverbs 9:1, NIV - Anglicised)

 7 Pillars = 7 Days of Creation

 foundation of life

 Providence

 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. (Proverbs 9:2, NIV - Anglicised)

 Provision for life

 Feast

 The feast Wisdom provides points to life, health, and celebration

 cf. Luke 14:15-24

When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' "Still another said, 'I have just got married, so I can't come.' "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.' "
(Luke 14:15-24, NIV - Anglicised)

 Wisdom's Invitation

 Come

 Recognising your situation

 Simple people

 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. (Proverbs 9:4, NIV - Anglicised)

 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3, NIV - Anglicised)

 Needy people

 "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. (Proverbs 9:5, NIV - Anglicised)

 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. (Isaiah 55:1-3, NIV - Anglicised)

 Wisdom's Warning

 Wisdom's Realism

 Even as Wisdom calls people to faithfulness and prudence, it always recognizes that there are some who will never listen

 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. (Proverbs 9:7, NIV - Anglicised)

 Personal Responsibility

 With the promise of life goes the responsibility of personal choice

 The joy Wisdom offers is for the taking, but every person must bear responsibility for his or her own decisions

 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10, NIV - Anglicised)

 Wisdom is firmly rooted in God