One of the benefits of reading the Bible with a friend is that you find different meanings in the same passage.
In Proverbs 9, I see an image of the Temple that I’d like to explore. In the same passage, Rudy Ross sees the work of the Holy Spirit.
You can hear our discussion on the Bob Spradling YouTube channel today.
Who’s right? We both are. As we read the Bible prayerfully, God impresses different things on different people.
As you consider the first six verses of Proverbs 9, try to imagine the Temple and the importance of the Holy of Holies in the temple.
Wisdom has built her house;
she has hewn her seven pillars.
She has slaughtered her animals; she has mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
She has sent out her female servants; she calls
from the highest places in the town,
“You who are simple, turn in here!”
To those without sense she says,
“Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
“Lay aside immaturity and live,
and walk in the way of insight.” (Proverbs 9.1-6)
The Holy of Holies
Once a year, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies.
He wore a beautiful High Priestly garment. However, Rudy reminds us that to enter the Holy of Holies, the beautiful garment was removed. The only thing he wore in the presence of God was his linen undergarments.
The picture of the High Priest in the Holy of Holies reminds us that when we come before God, we don’t bring our achievements or status. Rather, we come humbly to be in the presence of the Most Holy One of All.
When we approach God like the High Priest does, we gain a clear understanding of living in the fear of the Lord. We approach God with humility, empty-handed, seeking His forgiveness and guidance for our lives.
Our proper response is to obediently follow Him.
This is a good explanation of the fear of the Lord. Remember, the theme of Proverbs is: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1.7).
A Gracious and Awesome Invitation
When I read of wisdom’s building and an invitation to enter, I think of God’s amazing gifts to humans. We are a temple of the Holy Spirit and at the same time His priests.
Paul wrote about how we are a temple: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
The Holy Spirit lives within our inner selves. As God’s Spirit dwells with us and we engage in communion with Him, He is most able to communicate His wisdom to us.
Peter underscores the idea that all believers are part of a royal priesthood, signifying that every Christian has a priestly role to play in serving God and others.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
These truths emphasize both a significant opportunity and a crucial warning. The opportunity lies in having the Spirit of God dwelling within us, poised to provide direction, guidance, and the strength to carry out God’s revealed purposes.
However, the warning is equally important. Just as nothing unholy was allowed in the Holy of Holies within the Temple, we should also guard against introducing anything impure into our inner selves.
That sacred space where the Spirit of God resides must remain pure and available to His direction.
I’ve mentioned before, and I’ll write it again: wisdom isn’t an entity separate from our connection with God.
God offers us more than ideas for improving our lives; He offers Himself.
He resides within us to provide guidance, blessings, communion, and friendship. We should fully embrace this gift and make the most of it.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
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