WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday March 4, 2012

MAKING WISE CHOICES
(GOD calls us to make wise choices)
(Proverbs 7 & 8)

In Proverbs 7, King Solomon writes about the public invitation, or call, of the “Adulteress”, or “immoral woman” to the men of the city, and how it would be “unwise” to accept her invitation. In Proverbs 8, he contrasts chapter 7 with his female personification of wisdom, and how she constantly cries out to be heard by all people, and, how choosing her, would be the right decision for anyone to make.
In chapter 7 the adulteress goes out into the streets to seduce the young man and to lead him to eternal damnation. However, in chapter 8, Wisdom, who is the “virtuous woman”, is seen in the same streets offering herself to all who will receive her life-giving services. Here we see the lack of virtue that characterized the adulteress, being contrasted sharply by the GODly attributes of wisdom.
The Adulteress in chapter 7 is characterized by her desire to dress seductively, and to operate in the dark of night. She is also sly of heart, brash and rebellious, and solicits herself on every corner (Prov. 7:8-12). She is deceiving and can’t be trusted (Vs. 19-20). She seduces with pretty speech and flattery (v. 21). And, if you follow her, you will become like trapped, doomed prey in her den of death, which is located on the road to the grave, or, in other words, to Hell (Vs. 22-27).
In Proverbs 8, we see the contrasting and wonderful characteristics that are displayed by Wisdom. First of all, in verses 6-8, Solomon tells us that the virtuous “Wisdom” speaks that which is right and true, and hates wickedness and deception. Secondly, in verse 12 he tells us that wisdom is always associated with prudence, knowledge, and discretion. Thirdly, in verse 13, Solomon tells us that wisdom hates pride and arrogance. And finally, in verse 20, he tells us that Wisdom always walks in the path of righteousness and justice.
Chapters 2-3, here in the book of Proverbs, also offer up the “benefits of wisdom”. We learn that wisdom protects us (Prov. 2:11-12), and how it prolongs life and brings prosperity (Prov. 3:1-2). We see in Proverbs 3:16-18, that wisdom lead to riches and honor, and brings peace and blessings to those who use her. And last, but not least, wisdom allows us to have a good night’s sleep, because it leaves us without fears and doubts, and, with Wisdom, even when we stumble, we do not fall (Prov. 3:24).
GOD says wisdom is primary and fundamental, and it is the foundation upon which, all life is built. That is why both Paul (Col. 1:15-17 & 2:2-3) and John (Rev. 3:14) allude to some of the statements being made by Solomon, here in this book of Proverbs, to describe what they, and many other believer’s and scholars feel is JESUS’ presence at the very beginning of Creation. They feel that the term “wisdom” that is used throughout the book of Proverbs is a direct reference to CHRIST HIMSELF.
When we read Proverbs 7 and 8 together, we see a choice being offered to us from the Almighty GOD of Creation. HE is inviting us to make wise choices in the life that HE has given us. Wisdom, by the same token, sends out an invitation to each and every one of us, and, it has always been available to all who seek it. Specifically, the call of wisdom here in this chapter seems to be directed at those who tend to be simple and foolish, because they are the ones who are most in need of her services.
Both the “Adulteress” and lady “Wisdom” is available for the choosing, however, the results of getting to know them are total polar opposites. One, the “Adulteress”, leads to an eternally painful death, or burning in Hell, while the other, “Wisdom”, can lead only to a long and prosperous life here on earth, and ultimately, to eternal life in Heaven with the ONLY WISE GOD, our SAVIOR through JESUS CHRIST after this phase of life is over.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


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