Wisdom Contrasted with Folly.
THE BANQUET OF WISDOM. — V. 1. Wisdom, the divine and true wisdom, as it is exercised and exhibited here on earth among men, hath builded her house, to dwell in the midst of men. She hath hewn out her seven pillars, the reference being to the pillars of the inner court, which bear the upper stories, the number seven referring to the chief attributes of wisdom, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Is. 11, 2. V. 2. She hath killed her beasts, slaughtering them in preparation for the great feast which she had planned; she hath mingled her wine, by adding spices of various kinds to enhance the flavor; she hath also furnished her table, set the table for the banquet.
V. 3. She hath sent forth her maidens, bearing the invitations; she crieth upon the highest places of the city, so that the calls of invitation may be heard by all inhabitants and visitors. The message, as proclaimed by the messengers in the name of wisdom, is now given: v. 4. Whoso is simple, inexperienced, not yet acquainted with the dangers and temptations of life, let him turn in hither, to partake of wisdom’s banquet; as for him that wanteth understanding, that is, who lacks the proper insight, she saith to him, v. 5. Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine which I have mingled, the gifts which she freely offers. V. 6. Forsake the foolish and live, because the leaving of the company of fools and scorners is the first step in the right direction on the road to life, and go in the way of understanding, moving straight ahead on the way by which men obtain true knowledge.