Proverbs 8 - The Nature And Value Of Wisdom Series

Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Eight

We will now look at Proverbs chapter eight:

WISDOM CALLS OUT

1 Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? 2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. 3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: 4 "To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. 5 O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. 6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; 7 For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. 9 They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; 11 For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. Proverbs 8:1-11 (NKJV)

Here wisdom has become a person and cries out to us. Wisdom’s call is contrasted to the call of the immoral woman of chapter Proverbs chapter seven. Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who guides us and makes us succeed. Wisdom was present at the Creation and works with the Creator. God approves of those who listen to Wisdom’s counsel. Those who hate wisdom love death. Wisdom should affect every aspect of our life, from beginning to end. Be sure to open all corners of your life to God’s direction and guidance.

Wisdom calls:

1. From the high hill so that may hear

2. Beside the path that we all travel

3. From the gates of the city that we all go through

4. From the doorways that we all enter

Wesley comments on verses two and three says:

High place - Where she may be best seen and heard. Paths - Where many paths meet, where there is a great concourse, and where travelers may need direction. Gates - The places of judgment, and of the confluence of people. The entry - To invite passengers at their first coming and to conduct them to her house. The doors - Of her house.

From a distance she calls – to right next to us she calls. She is around every corner. She is at every cross road. We can see her on the hill and hear her as we walk down the road. She waits by the door of our house when we go out and when we come back home. She is at the mall – she is at the movie theater – she is at our work place – she is at the grocery store – she is at the hospital – she is at the bar. Wherever we go – she is there. The question is – are we listening?

Her desire is to speak to everyone – but she especially wants to speak to two types of people:

1. the simple – those who are naive

2. the fools – those who ignore understanding

In the New Living Translation verse five says:

“You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding.” Proverbs 8:5 (NLT)

The Message translation says:

“Listen, you idiots—learn good sense! You blockheads—shape up!” Proverbs 8:5 (MSG)

All of us have probably been foolish at some point or other in life. All of us could use wisdom.

God makes us a promise in verse six. He says that when He speaks He will tell us “excellent things”. They will be right. They will be true. There will be no half truths found on His lips. There will be no deception in His voice. Nothing crooked or perverse will we find in what He says. God is righteous and what He speaks is righteous too.

The value of His instruction is more important than silver. The value of His instruction is more important than gold. The value of His instruction is to be prized more than rubies. Instruction must not only be heard – it must also be received. We must prefer wisdom before riches. We must receive God’s instruction as of most important. Jesus said:

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

THE NATURE AND VALUE OF WISDOM

12 "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. 14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth. 17 I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver. 20 I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, 21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries. Proverbs 8:12-21 (NKJV)