Proverbs 8:1-21

Lady wisdom proverbs

v.1-5 Once again wisdom is personified as a woman eager to be heard. These verses remind us of 1:20-33. She positions herself so she may be easily seen and heard “heights beside the way” “crossroads”. She cries out where the people congregate “at the entrance of the portals”. She is contrasted with the strange woman in chapter 7:10-12. The woman in chapter seven searched the streets to lead a man into sin. Lady Wisdom, in chapter 8, seeks out men to lead them into wisdom and righteousness.

v.6 Wisdom appeals to be heard because the things she speaks are noble. They represented those of the highest class. “Right” means “straight or level”. It describes moral integrity. The words of Lady Wisdom are of the highest class and are full of integrity. They can be trusted.

v.7-8 Wisdom always speaks the truth. In fact, wickedness is morally disgusting to her. Because of this you will never find her speaking words that are perverse. Wisdom can be trusted to be consistent in her teachings. Her nature will not allow her to teach anything contrary to the truth. Wisdom is the teachings of God. He cannot lie. His nature consists of truth and righteousness. We can trust what God says because of who He is.

v.9 “Straight” means “straightforward or correct”. Those who “understand” and have “knowledge” are those who have accepted the wisdom of God. To these people the teachings of wisdom are correct and right. To the ungodly the teachings of wisdom are foolish and unnecessary (1 Cor.1:18). This is the reason many people do not heed the call of wisdom. Sin has blinded their minds.

v.10-11 We are here charged to desire wisdom above material wealth. “Choice gold” is gold of an excellent quality. The wisdom of God is more valuable than silver, gold, or rubies. These things can only offer a possible amount of security in this world. The wisdom of God offers benefits in both this world and the world to come. The implication in these passages is that there will come a day when we must choose between this world and the wisdom of God. When that day comes Solomon urges us to choose the wisdom of God. Temporary wealth cannot be compared to the eternal life that wisdom offers.    

v.12 Here we see wisdom’s roommates. She dwells with “prudence”. The word in this context reveals sensible thinking. In other words, sensible thinking accompanies the wisdom of God. She finds “knowledge”. This should be understood as the knowledge of the truth. When a person has the wisdom of God, they also possess the truth. The phrase “witty inventions” means “discretion”. It describes the sensible behavior that is a result of sensible thinking. Therefore, when you have God’s wisdom you also think clearly, possess the truth and behave in a correct manner. It affects what you believe, what you think about and what you do.

v.13 Because the wisdom of God fears the Lord it also hates what God hates. God hates evil (sin) and so the wise person will hate it as well. God hates pride, arrogance, evil behavior and a perverse mouth. Therefore, the child of God will shun these things because he/she hates them as well. One of the surest ways to determine if our profession of faith is true is to take an inventory of our lives. We will indulge in what we love and reject what we hate. We should ask ourselves consistently “What am I indulging in and what am I rejecting?”

v.14-16 Wisdom gives counsel (direction in life), sound wisdom (knowledge that helps us live righteously), insight (insight into life) and strength (the power to live as God would have us live).

The key phrase in verses 15-16 is “decree what is just”. It means to make laws that reflect God’s justice. If any ruler rules righteously he only does so because of the wisdom of God. It has nothing to do with pedigree or education. Righteous behavior is a result of heeding wisdoms call.

v.17 Wisdom calls out to everyone. She desires that all receive her. However, only those who obey her call enter a close relationship with her. Those who love her are loved by her. Those who desire her seek after her. To seek diligently is to seek her before it is too late. There comes a time when wisdom quits calling our name (1:28). That time can be different for every man. No one can come to God unless He first draws them (John 6:44). When He calls, we should come quickly. To not do so could mean that we seek God when it is too late.

v.18 Those who seek wisdom early will enjoy her benefits. The riches she offers are enduring riches. They will not fade away with time. The believer recognizes that it is important to lay up treasure in heaven. The honor she offers is not honor from the world. It is the glory and exaltation that believers share in heaven. We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ and exalted as sons and daughters of the Most High.

v.19-21 The benefits of wisdom are more valuable than earthly treasures. She will lead us into a path of righteous behavior. At the same time, she will lavish her gifts upon us. We will experience the eternal riches of God. Also, wise behavior can result in experiencing physical blessings on earth. We would be wise to follow wisdom. She will only lead us to eternal life and never fading riches.

Thoughts to Consider

1. If we perish in our sin it will be because we rejected the call of God to come to heaven.

2. We will understand the will and word of God only if we obey Him in repenting of our sins and placing our faith in Christ.

3. If we fear the Lord we will hate sin, if we love sin we will not fear the Lord.

4. God’s wisdom offers us freely more than the world’s foolishness can ever provide.