Today’s Reading: Proverbs 8
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 have 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.
(Editor's Note: Because we are journeying through the Old Testament in chronological order, Proverbs chapter 8 is presented before chapter 7. Chapter 7 will be covered in its correct order after chapter 24.)
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