Proverbs: Wisdom, Knowledge, Sayings week 2

“Lady Wisdom”

In thinking about the different sections that make up the book of proverbs there are a collection of passages near the beginning of proverbs that personify wisdom as a woman. The passages that deal with this most clearly and specifically are:

Proverbs 1:20-33

Proverbs 3:13-20

Proverbs 8

Proverbs 9

You can find them written out on the handout

Make sure people have copies of the Lady Wisdom handouts

Let’s just dive into the initial passage as it outlines several key forms of that exist in the other passages as well.

Part of personifying “Lady Wisdom” is giving human based characteristics to the abstract idea of wisdom.

Why do you think Solomon might personify wisdom as a person?

Wisdom Cries

Can someone read this passage out...

Proverbs 1:20–24 NRSV

20 Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. 21 At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: 22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? 23 Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused, have stretched out my hand and no one heeded,

Wisdom is not hidden; she calls out in public spaces where everyone can hear.Represents the accessibility of wisdom—anyone willing to listen can gain it.Wisdom in action: justice, mercy, and practical living.

Invitation to Change

Wisdom invites the "simple," "scoffers," and "fools" to embrace understanding and knowledge.A reminder:

You are not a fool; you may do foolish things.We are not sin; we do sinful things.

Wisdom is able to be rejected

Can someone read this passage out...

Proverbs 1:24–27 NRSV

24 Because I have called and you refused, have stretched out my hand and no one heeded, 25 and because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes you, 27 when panic strikes you like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.

Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom

Wisdom rejected cannot always be reclaimed.Actions have natural consequences, and wisdom warns us of the outcomes of our choices.Illustration: Forgetting a raincoat and seeing others dry feels like mocking, even though it isn’t.

Wisdom Laughs

Not mockery in the cruel sense but a reflection of reality: rejecting wisdom makes folly apparent.Chess analogy: In every situation, there’s always a better move. Recognizing it after the fact is part of wisdom’s teaching.

Wisdom Gives Advice

Proverbs 1:28–33 NRSV

28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 would have none of my counsel, and despised all my reproof, 31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way and be sated with their own devices. 32 For waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; 33 but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”

When Wisdom Withdraws

Ignoring wisdom leads to calamity. While God offers paths through pain, the consequences of unwise decisions often remain.

Complacency vs. Security

False security comes from comfort in foolishness ("warm, soft mistakes that are ours").True safety and ease come from aligning with God’s wisdom, even when it requires change.