In what ways can we invite others to "turn in here" for wisdom? Setting the Scene: Wisdom’s Open Door (Proverbs 9:1-6) “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. (Proverbs 9:4) Wisdom has prepared a feast, built her house on solid pillars, and sent out her maidens to call. The invitation is clear, urgent, and generous. Why the Invitation Matters • It rescues people from foolishness and its deadly consequences (Proverbs 9:18). • It leads to knowledge of the Holy One and life (Proverbs 9:10-11). • It magnifies God’s glory when more hearts treasure His Word (Psalm 19:7-11; Matthew 5:16). Practical Ways to Say “Turn in Here” • Live visibly wise lives – “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) – Consistent integrity, patience, and joy spark curiosity about the source of wisdom. • Open the Scriptures often and openly – Carry a Bible, quote it naturally, and explain how it shapes decisions. – “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for instruction…” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Extend warm hospitality – Coffee at your kitchen table or a shared meal after church can be a doorway to truth. – “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13) • Speak truth in love – Clear, uncompromised counsel coupled with compassion mirrors Wisdom’s tone. – “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself.” (Ephesians 4:15) • Redeem everyday conversations – Keep speech gracious and “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:5-6). – Turn trending topics toward timeless truth: God’s design, sin’s problem, Christ’s answer. • Provide tangible resources – Give away Bibles, study guides, podcasts, or invite to a solid study group. – Point to trustworthy teachers who honor the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Cultivate regular teaching moments – Host a weekly home study, gather coworkers for lunch-break devotions, start a youth Bible hour. – Pattern: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship…” (Acts 2:42) • Pray for divine persuasion – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” (James 1:5) – Ask God to soften hearts and give ears to hear the call of Wisdom. Living Illustrations of the Invitation • Jesus invited fishermen, tax collectors, and outcasts with the simple words “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19; Luke 5:27-28). • The Samaritan woman immediately told her town, “Come, see a man…” (John 4:29). • Philip told Nathanael, “Come and see.” (John 1:46). Each example shows ordinary people ushering others to the place where wisdom is found—Christ Himself. Guarding the Purity of Wisdom’s House • Keep the message centered on God’s Word, not trends or human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). • Refuse to dilute hard truths; real love warns as well as welcomes (Ezekiel 3:18-19). • Maintain personal holiness so the invitation is not discredited (1 Peter 1:15-16). A Closing Charge Wisdom still cries out in the streets. Every believer can echo her voice: live wisely, speak Scripture, open your doors, and point people to the Savior. Many are simple and searching—help them “turn in here” and feast on life-giving truth. |
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