Reading With the People of God #14 ProverbsSample

The Houses of Wisdom and Folly

The voices of the invitations are personified as women, and to all are extended the welcome to their homes. The writer contrasts the beauty and dignity of wisdom with the seedy, unattractive appeal of folly. We are made to want to join those in the home of wisdom and shun the house of folly, thinking ourselves wise enough to make the good choice.

The writer makes clear that life and good can be found at the banquet in the House of Wisdom, but for those who choose Folly’s Dwelling, the food is stolen, and the inhabitants are dead.

Don’t Muzzle the Ox

The previous chapter in 1 Corinthians was dedicated to laying out some principles and guidelines for navigating the pagan culture as a Christian. Freedom was important, but not more important than consideration for the newer, weaker believers. Now Paul launches into his own freedom as an Apostle and defense of his position and authority. Did they question his apostleship because he didn’t exercise his rights?

In beginning his defense, Paul says the Corinthians themselves are proof of his apostleship. They were brought to salvation by the very message he brought to them. They are the seal, the proof of the authenticity of his office. To question Paul was to question their own conversion.

The Corinthians seem to have embraced the idea that if Paul was truly God’s man, why did he suffer so? And why wasn’t he married, and why didn’t he take support from his church plants if he really was an apostle? Paul is saying, yes, he has those rights, but he also has the freedom not to take advantage of those rights. Through rhetorical questions, Paul answers their questions and doubts. Paul goes on to prove their point in the Law by going from the lesser to the greater. Deuteronomy 25:4 says the ox is entitled to benefit from his labors by receiving a reward as he works. Paul uses this as a principle for those laboring in the Lord.

Paul agrees with the premise of their argument but not the conclusion. In fact, he is making the point from the previous chapter. Christians are given many freedoms, but they should also exercise them with discernment. Paul is free not to exercise his rights, but that should not reflect on his legitimacy as an apostle.

Paul retains the right to boast in his weakness that the power and purpose of Christ might be exalted. He takes pride in things that reveal the strength of Christ and that even in weakness, He can use Paul effectively.

*Primer contributed by Jinet Troost, Women's Bible study teacher, Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla