When I started to read Proverbs 9 to prepare for this weeks study, I couldn't get past the first verse. So today we are going to just discuss the Proverbs 9:1. Go ahead and read it now.
Why do you think that Wisdom has 7 pillars? What is significant about the number 7 in this particular passage? Any ideas? I have read through Proverbs countless times...and never took the time to think about there being a 7 there. There must be some reason that there are 7 pillars; instead of just 'pillars' in general. So I did some research. I am so glad that we are doing this study because this was a very interesting topic to research.
Today, we are going to talk construction. No hard hats needed!
Today, we are going to talk construction. No hard hats needed!
To understand what these 7 pillars are, we are going to do a bit of page flipping in your Bible.
What is the very first thing that one must put down before building a house? Yes, of course, a foundation. Read Proverbs 9:10--what is the foundation (or beginning) of Wisdom?
A foundation cannot be laid without first preparing the way. Ground work must be done. Wisdom cannot be obtained and you cannot lay the foundation to obtaining that wisdom unless you do your ground work first. Read I Corinthians 3:11. What is the groundwork that must be done in your life?
Ok, so once we have done our groundwork (accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior), laid our Foundation (Fear of the Lord)...then it is time to build our supporting structures.
We look at Proverbs as the Old Testament book of Wisdom; does anyone know what the New Testament book of Wisdom is? The book of James! (Refer to James 1:5 and 3:13).
The seven pillars of wisdom are listed in James 3:17. Turn there and list the pillars in your journal.
Lets talk a bit about each.
1) PURE--this is the first pillar. The passage even emphasizes that it must come first. So it is the main, center support. The other pillars are built around this one.
2) PEACEABLE--look in 2 Timothy 2: 24-26 to see the Bible's definition of 'peaceable'.
3)GENTLE--the literal Hebrew translation means "appropriate". We must be appropriate at all times.
4) REASONABLE
5)FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS--helpful, considerate, kind
6)UNWAVERING--I originally thought this to be unwavering in our belief but it could also mean 'without partiality' or being truly humble
7) WITHOUT HYPOCRISY-- Or sincerity; Always sincere whether it is what we say, what we do, or how we do it.
If we first do the groundwork, then lay the foundation, then build our life with these pillars of support...such a house will not fall!
(While I actually used several resources in writing today's post, I found the Institute for Creation Research to be the most helpful and need to give credit to them. You may visit them by visiting www.ICR.org)
