Proverbs 9:1
The Foundation:
The foundation of the house of wisdom is “the fear of the Lord . . . the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10). A person does not finally reach the Lord thru much study and the acquisition of much wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Without a reverential trust in the God of creation and redemption, there can be no true wisdom. Paul said Christ is the foundation (1 Cor 3:11).No other foundation can be laid other than Christ. Many try to lay a foundation with Christ in it but not as THE foundation. To the many pseudo-religions, Jesus is only a part of it as a prophet, teacher or great personality – to them He is not the very foundation of faith and belief.
The writer says that upon this foundation and supporting the superstructure of the house of wisdom are seven mighty pillars or columns. But what are these pillars? The answer may be found in the New Testament book of wisdom (Jam 1:5; 3:13).James lists seven things that may be considered the seven pillars of the house of wisdom.
The seven pillars: Jam 3:17
The first in the list and perhaps the central column carrying the most weight is purity. Purity is a necessity and compares to the sanctified experience (Jam 4:8), something we must seek. It is something God does (Acts 15:9) and we cannot see God or enter heaven without it (Matt 5:8; Psa 24:3-4). Purity is something that those who love Christ and seek Him will naturally do (1 Jn 3:3). Purity is the absence of defilement, sin or any such thing contrary to God’s standard.
The second pillar is peaceableness indicating one who seeks to make and establish peace (Matt 5:9; Eph 4:1-3). Paul tells us that as much as is possible to live in peace with everyone. We must recognize that there are some who will never be at peace with us because we represent God and His word. They are antagonistic toward God and His word and therefore are enemies with God and us. Jesus said that the world hated Him and it will also hate us – meaning they will not seek to be at peace with us.
The third pillar is gentleness being fair and equitable in matters regarding others. Not partial or having respect toward others because of worldly influence. Not overly critical or harsh toward others (2 Ti 2:24; 1 Thes 2:5-8). Meek is associated with being gentle and many wrongly assume that gentle then is a sign of weakness. Jesus was meek and lowly and far from weak. This is not a call to be weak but gentle. Meekness is power and strength under God’s control.
The fourth pillar is easy to be entreated (reasonable). The idea with this is approachable, able to talk with/to in explaining and expecting courtesy and fairness. Entreated means compliant, obedient someone who will not go off “half-cocked” but you can talk with them and discuss Christian-like. You are not vindictive or unkind in discussion and interpersonal disagreements.
The fifth pillar is full of mercy and good fruits – helpfulness. Using our gifts and abilities to be helpful to others when they have need of assistance. A hurting world needs the compassion of Christ-like people.
The sixth pillar is without partiality literally wrangling. Some have equated this with humility, not thinking we are better than others and expounding their failings.
The seventh pillar is without hypocrisy – sincere. Not pretending to be something we are not. Not putting on a false face (Rom 12:9). Too often people “say” they do not attend church because of hypocrites and in some cases this may be true, so let us not be that one who hinders the path of others.
God gives us wisdom and its seven pillars for His glory and our benefit as well as the benefit of a lost world. Let us use them.