Proverbs 8
-Wisdom’s call is contrasted to the call of the adulteress, which was dealt with in the previous chapter (see Proverbs 7). Solomon, declaring a better way, asks, “Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice?” He says that on top of the heights beside the way, and where the paths meet, is where she (wisdom) takes her stand. She is also readily present beside the gates, where elders sit contemplating under the authority of God and their covenant culture, at the opening of the city. At the entrance of the doors wisdom cries out in a call to the sons of men, “O naïve ones, understand prudence; and O fools, understand wisdom. Listen, for I will speak noble things; and the opening of my lips will reveal right things.” Her mouth utters truth, and wickedness is an abomination to her lips. In fact, all the utterances of her mouth are in righteousness, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, crooked or perverted in them. Plus, they are straightforward to him who understands and right to those who find real-genuine knowledge. This is typical as we progress in God’s plan in regards to the work of the Holy Spirit in the indwelling of the believer (1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Timothy 1:14, Hebrews 10:15-16). Therefore, Solomon promotes wisdom as a vast superior to jewels, silver, and the choicest gold (Proverbs 8:1-11).
-Solomon personifies wisdom as it dwells with prudence and finds knowledge and discretion. The king imparts a vital fact now, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.” In other words, wisdom is totally of the LORD. Counsel and power is wisdom’s. By her, kings reign righteously and rulers decree justice. By her, princes rule, along with nobles, and all who judge rightly. Wisdom loves those who love her, and those who diligently seek her will find her. Riches and honor are definitely with her, enduring (or long lasting) wealth and righteousness. Her fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, and her yield is better than the choicest silver. She walks in the way of righteousness and in the paths of justice. Wisdom does her work to endow those who love her with wealth, that she may fill their treasuries (Proverbs 8:12-21).
-At the beginning of His way in the creation of this world, the LORD possessed His full and vast wisdom. Even before His works of old, from everlasting, wisdom was established and solidified. When there were no depths, wisdom was brought forth. When there were no springs abounding with water, she was there. Before the mountains were settled and before the hills were brought forth, while God had not yet made the earth and the fields and even the first dust, wisdom was present. Before He established the heavens, wisdom was there. When God inscribed a circle on the face of the deep (the round earth established here millennia before Christopher Columbus), made firm the skies above, fixed the springs of the deep, set the boundary for the sea so that the water would not transgress His command, and marked out the foundation of the earth, wisdom was right beside Him as a master workman and God’s daily delight rejoicing always before Him. She was rejoicing in the world He had made and having her delight in the sons of men (Proverbs 8:22-31).
-Because of the graces and blessings of wisdom, the king offers once again for his sons to listen intently to him. If they would heed instruction, they would also be wise. If they would not neglect these teachings, they would indeed be blessed. Solomon recommended watching for wisdom daily at the gates and waiting for it at the doorposts. “For he who finds me (wisdom) finds life and obtains favor from the LORD. But (contrast here) he who sins against me (wisdom) injures himself; all those who hate me (wisdom) love death (Proverbs 8:32-36).
-*Application* How beautiful and poetic is this discourse on wisdom with all its benefits. God is wisdom, and what He imparts to us as His beloved children in this area should be cherished. It is more precious than gold, just like our faith (1 Peter 1:7). Love the God of all wisdom, which helps us find life and obtain His favor. Don’t injure (harm, destroy) yourself with the sin that can so easily beset (Hebrews 12:1-2). And, for the love of everything good, don’t hate wisdom, which is tantamount to loving death.
Verses to Memorize: Proverbs 8:13, 17
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