Proverbs 8:1-11
What is wisdom? Could it be that wisdom is simply making the right choice between two scenarios? Or is it standing up for the “right” cause in the wake of a seemingly important subject matter? Is it measured by the amount of money and success someone has obtained or is it rather a unique ability to be inherently smart? Arguably, all would say that to be wise is a good thing, and that the fruits of walking in wisdom must be good based on principle alone. Instead of asking the question, what is wisdom? Let’s ask the question, who is Wisdom?
1Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
Verses 1-3, to me, seem to be rooted in urgency. Wisdom is not trying to be illusive or play hard to get. Wisdom is actually right in your face. Shouting above the noise of our everyday lives, in every decision, at every turn, Wisdom is desperately trying to gain our attention. All this so that we might listen and make the right choices in our lives, for the sake of building God’s Kingdom and for Christ to be able to continue His good work in us that put our faith in Him.
4“To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
6Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
Verses 4-8 let us know that Wisdom is not held back for a select few, but extends her council to us all. Our backgrounds and our shortcomings don’t matter in the slightest. James 1:5 (NIV) says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given you.” Wisdom speaks the truth, only what is right and all her words are just. We can trust that these three characteristics, that mirror those of Jesus, will only ultimately lead us to our best life; the life that God has called us to in the first place, if we’ll listen.
9To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
We have a choice. We always have a choice. To be discerning we have to listen. To find knowledge we have to seek it out. This is a call to action. A call to search out Wisdom above money, success, power, etc. It starts by making the choice to follow Christ. Only by His example and discipleship can we learn to walk in the bountiful blessings of Wisdom.
How do you choose to follow Jesus and begin to seek out Wisdom that so urgently calls out to you?
It’s simple. Firstly, pray this prayer; Lord Jesus, I confess that You are the son of the living God. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again on the 3rd day and are now sitting at the right hand of Your father in Heaven. Please, forgive me of my sins and be forever Lord of my life. Thank You for Your grace that is sufficient! All in Your name I pray. Secondly, become a disciple of Jesus and ask Him to give you wisdom. Answer the call to action. Dust off your bible, devour God’s word and seek Him out in prayer. Most of all, listen. Soon you will be filled with knowledge and will become discerning. Then you will start to know what it is like to walk in Wisdom, wisdom that only comes from God.