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Read Proverbs 9

Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns.

Proverbs 9:1

This is just the kind of parable that provokes a meditation question: Why seven columns? Do they represent seven principles, or seven characteristics of wisdom? Throughout history there have been numerous and ingenious efforts to identify each of the seven columns. Though interesting, the explanations haven’t been persuasive.

The proverb itself offers few clues. Other proverbs that mention numbers usually do so to introduce a list. See, for example, Proverbs 6:16-19; 30:15-16, 18-19, 21-23. The verses that immediately follow 9:1 include other actions that Wisdom has set into motion: She prepared a great banquet (v. 2), and she sent servants to invite and broadcast the same invitation over the city (v. 3). Clearly, the writer was using figurative language.

The tone of this proverb conveys the idea that Wisdom is an expansive host. Her house is spacious and complete. The only thing she lacks is enough guests to take advantage of her invitation. How often have you visited Wisdom’s house?

A WORD FOR TODAY

Live in Wisdom’s house.

Dear Lord, allow me to make good use of the wisdom you have already provided to me, and keep me alert for more.