‘In Praise of Wisdom’
06.26.24
Does not wisdom cry? And understanding put forth her voice? (Proverbs 8:1).
Wisdom, as has been noted, is the key word and thought of the Book of Proverbs. The verse that sums this up is 1:7-The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Although wisdom has been referred to many times in Proverbs, it is the main focus of the next two chapters [8-9]. Proverbs 8 is in fact the high point of the discussion of wisdom in the Bible. It is in contrast to the depiction of the foolish young man & the evil woman of chapter 7.
Let us recall that Solomon is presenting wisdom as the right use of knowledge. It is seeing life through God’s eyes. Wisdom personified is two-fold. It is the living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is the written Word, the Bible.
In the first section of Proverbs 8 we are reminded that wisdom should be the guide for every person (1-5). Does not wisdom cry? And understanding put forth her voice? She stands in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
Thankfully, the wisdom of God is available to us if we will avail ourselves of it. It is available worldwide, in every corner of the globe. No one is refused its resources. In our age this has come true as the Word of God has been translated into many heart languages, though there are hundreds more to go. We can be thankful for the many good translation organizations that are striving to reach the world.
Our text tells us that wisdom is seeking for people. This is true as the Holy Spirit actively works upon our hearts to draw us to the Savior. Yet this does not erase our responsibility to respond. As the Lord Jesus says to us- Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man will hear my voice and open the door, I will come in. (Revelation 3:20) Nor does it abrogate the responsibility of the born again believer to give out the gospel.
In the next section of Proverbs 8, we are reminded that wisdom is the partner of morality (6-12). Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
The words of wisdom, the words of God are excellent. They are plain, clear, open to all. They are worth more than all earthly treasure, and they are resourceful.
Solomon ends the section with these words (13)- The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Wisdom is vitally important. It is found in the Word of God. It is gained as we come to Christ and learn of Him.
If we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you, please feel free to call upon