Today's Reading: Proverbs 8

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

In Proverbs 8, we see wisdom personified as a woman standing at the center of the town square and raising her voice loudly as she cries out, “Hear Ye, Hear Ye – Come and Listen!” She is calling at full volume for people to come to her so she can impart to them the qualities of her wisdom – qualities which include decency, righteousness, discretion, honor, and truth. She is not selling her goods, she wants no money in exchange for what she is offering. She invites one and all to come and take the gifts of wisdom freely and without charge. With her deafening voice, she reminds us that wisdom – true wisdom – is far better than riches, honor, or wealth.

Listen to Wisdom’s words as she exhorts you to seek her: “Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it. Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.” (V33-36 NLT)  Take note that her wisdom is available everywhere and to anyone. You don’t need a “superior intellect” to be wise, you just need to listen – really listen.

In verse 5, she exhorts simple and foolish people to learn two things: prudence and sense. The word “simple” in this verse is not an insult or put-down. In the Hebrew it is a word which simply means naïve or inexperienced. Wisdom is inviting this naïve person to replace their ignorance with  true depth of wisdom. The word “foolish” refers to someone who finds sport in pursuing mischief and empty recreation. The great promise here is that if the naïve and foolish will but listen, they too can become wise.

The word “prudence” carries the idea of using forethought and good judgement when moving forward with life’s decisions. The person who is prudent can see the possible pitfalls that await them, and can devise a crafty course of action to avoid those pitfalls. If the simple person will but listen when wisdom cries out, he/she will become shrewd with life’s choices – able to distinguish the right path. The word “sense” means to have intelligence and discretion. The fool who listens to and learns from the voice of wisdom will no longer be foolish, but will have the blessing of spiritual perception. This is the type of wisdom and perception that surpasses all human intelligence.

While Proverbs 8 gives us a virtual view of wisdom personified, there is One who came who gives us the literal and perfect view. His name is Jesus. "For in Him are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). He is standing at the center of your “town square” and raising His voice to you – “Come unto Me and Listen! I will impart true wisdom to you.” Seek Him first, and all these things will be added to you.