Proverbs 8:12-21
Where do you turn when you are looking for direction? We all need that one person in our lives, a friend or mentor, that we can go to for advice. That person who always knows what to say at the right time and in the right way.
In Proverbs 8:12-21 we read about wisdom personified. The Hebrew people thought and wrote in concrete ideas rather than theoretical terms, which often led to ideas or virtues having a personality.
Proverbs 8:12-14
“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.”
When one finds wisdom all other virtues flow from it. Those who fear the Lord have wisdom, and those who have wisdom love what the Father loves and hate what He hates. Pride and arrogance are against God, but those who fear the Lord and seek wisdom are walking with God.
Proverbs 8:15-16
“Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.”
The word for a “noble”, in Hebrew, is the same word for a person who is generous and has a willing spirit. Leaders found their success when they were open and sought direction from wisdom. Wisdom, then becomes, the combination of experiential knowledge and good judgement.
Proverbs 8:16-21
“I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.”
This promise teaches us that those who pursue wisdom will not end up empty handed. Wisdom’s followers will receive an inheritance that is incomparable to anything we could attain on our own. Wisdom ensures that we will be full when we seek her and walk in her ways.
Photography: @jacobnnorris
Reminds me of the scripture, Psalm 111:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
I wonder, do we ever arrive at true wisdom? Maybe we have wise moments– have made wise decisions– but so often make unwise and poor choices. Scripture is clear in saying the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord… Fear meaning reverence and honor. I’m so grateful we have a Creator that guides us and shows us where to start, when we mess up or don’t know what to do. He’s there… He knows… He cares…. And He deserves all glory and honor. Thanks for the post Alyssa Raye…