A foolish woman is clamorous: She is simple, and knows nothing. (Proverbs 9:13). When it comes to food and drink she says, “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant” (Proverbs 9:17). Her folly is exposed by this table. For no wine is sweeter and no bread is more pleasant. But this bread was broken in public, high upon a cross; there is nothing private or secluded about it. And this wine is free. It is, quite literally, impossible to steal.

As you come to eat and drink, do so discerning the body. Pride and envy both seclude a man. Pride cannot see past itself to see others. And envy cannot see past itself in others. Both vices render a man incapable of seeing others truly. Both make him steal away and eat in secret. But both vices are drained out of a man by this bread and wine. For it is hard to eat alone at a public feast. And it is hard for pride or envy to remain when you know that you and all of your companions bought this meal without money and without price. So come in faith, and welcome to Jesus Christ.