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The Bible is fully of mystery, not merely in its doctrines, but also in the manner and in the language by which the truths of revelation are brought before us. In the personification of this passage, Wisdom is seen sympathising with man, caring for man, loving man, diffusing abroad amongst men the benefits of harmony, and of purity, and of eternal life.

I. THE PROVISION MADE BY HEAVENLY WISDOM FOR THE SPIRITUAL WANTS OF MEN. When Wisdom is here represented as having furnished her house, and built her dwelling, you have an idea, a correct conception of the Church of God. God is the builder of the Church, and the foundation is deep, broad, and wide, and altogether sufficient for the purposes of human salvation. Men are represented as living stones, quickened and animated, and hewn and fitted to occupy the position for which they are intended, cemented by Divine love, held in attraction to the foundation, and consequently held in relation to each other. In the passage the building is characterised by stability and durability. "Seven pillars." Pillars, in Scripture, are emblems of strength, beauty, and durability. The number seven is indicative of perfection. Every pillar, every buttress, every support that Christianity needs the wisdom of God has provided. In the passages is the further idea of a gracious and adequate provision. "She hath killed her killings." This is the idea of sacrifice. The idea of what is grateful and refreshing is likewise presented. "She hath mingled her wine." Easterns mingled their wines in order, by the power of spices, to make them more attractive, and to strengthen their flavour. Then the "table is furnished." Divine truth in its simplest and most complicated form — Divine truth that can guide, and purify, and train the spirit up for heaven — the truth that can make you free — the truth that can bless you with present happiness and eternal glory, is presented in the gospel. The provision of infinite love, then, is precisely adapted to your need.

II. THE INVITATION PRESENTED TO MANKIND TO ACCEPT OF THIS PROVISION.

1. The parties employed to utter the invitation. When Wisdom, as the queen of heaven, spreads her table, she sends out her maidens. They are emblems of feebleness, purity, and attractiveness; and this is just the character of the messengers that were sent out by the Lord.

2. The persons to whom the invitation is directed. Here represented as being foolish, indiscreet, unwise, incompetent to guide their own affairs, incapable of obtaining that support and comfort which they need. Here is a correct idea of the ruined, the guilty, and the helpless condition of man. The gospel is preached to the ignorant, the guilty, and the wretched.

3. The scene of proclamation is described. It is made in the chief places of congress, at the opening of the gate, and the going in of the doors. This teaches us that the proclamation is to be made in the midst of large multitudes of people.

III. THE CONSIDERATION BY WHICH THIS INVITATION IS ENFORCED AND PRESSED HOME UPON ATTENTION. There is not the mere announcement of provision, not the mere proclamation of the fact, but an entreaty on the part of those who go out with the messages. "Forsake the foolish and live." Life is valuable — all life is valuable. The life of religion, the life of God in the soul of man, is the highest form of life. There is an appeal in the text to the love of enjoyment. There is an appeal also to the love of wisdom. Have you obeyed the invitation?

(Gearge Smith, D. D,)

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KJV: Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

WEB: Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.