Proverbs 9:4 Commentary and Bible Study

What is the nature of the appeal? The gospel, or the wisdom of God, the salvation of God, appeals to those who are open and naïve; it appeals to those who are ignorant of spiritual things. In other words, the gospel presents itself as something which is essential for people who are in spiritual darkness, and who must come humbly and receive it. It does not present itself along these lines: ‘Oh you smart people, you clever people, you wise people, look, I have got a nice product here, which will add to you a little. It will make you just a little bit more than you are, and a little bit better.’ The gospel spreads its arms and says, ‘When it comes to spiritual things, you are simple, and you are far from God, and you must understand it, and you must come and listen and humble yourself.’ The gospel makes no bones about it. It is appealing, it is pleading, but it is honest and it is straightforward. ‘Whoso is simple’ – in moral and in spiritual matters – ‘let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding’ – that is in need of understanding’ – ‘come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.’The word ‘come’ breathes mercy and love. It contains an implicit promise, so that you know if you hear it you will be admitted. In contrast to the adulteress in verse 17 of this chapter, gospel wisdom is appealing to men and women to come and discover the things that belong to God. The things which the world offers are not the world's property; she has no right to offer these things. She is a thief and her house is full of stolen property, things which she has plundered.