Read Proverbs 8:1–11
Questions from the Scripture text: Who cries out (Proverbs 8:1)? What else does she do? Where does she take her stand to cry out (Proverbs 8:2a)? Where else (verse 2b)? Where else (Proverbs 8:3)? To whom does she call (Proverbs 8:4a)? And to whom, especially (verse 4b)? What does she call these (Proverbs 8:5)? What do they urgently need? How can they obtain it (Proverbs 8:6a)? To what (Whom!) are they to listen (verse 6)? To what sort of things? To what do Proverbs 8:7-8 contrast these things? Who will be able to understand (Proverbs 8:9)? How much should they value this instruction/knowledge (Proverbs 8:10-11)?
What does the world need now? Proverbs 8:1–11 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the world needs now (and tomorrow) is wisdom.
The “way” of wisdom (Proverbs 8:1-3). Foolish and sinful logic hides in the dark. Part of the folly of the young man in Proverbs 7:7–9 was that he put himself in a position in which he was operating under cover of darkness. But biblical wisdom can stand the light of day. The “crying out” and “top of the hill” and the main intersections and city gates and entrances of doors are all ways of saying that true wisdom appeals out in the open. It is also humbling to see that, while wisdom is openly obvious; yet, apart from grace blessing the Word to us, we will not receive it.
The warriors of wisdom. So much depends upon men, in the economy of God (Proverbs 8:4a). And therefore so much depends upon the sons who are the future men (verse 4b). God created fatherhood to communicate something about Himself toward believers, and even within the persons of the Godhead! And God created marriage, which will not continue in the next world (cf. Matthew 22:30), to communicate something about Himself toward the church. It is no wonder that He designed fatherhood and husbandhood to be so critical to families, nations, and churches. But this makes it all the more devastating when husbands and fathers are fools.
The weakest in wisdom. Boys, left to themselves, and one another, are simple ones and fools (cf. Proverbs 7:6–7). The “sons of men” in v4b are now addressed that way in Proverbs 8:5. Proverbs repeatedly addresses all of us as “children,” but it is boys and young men, especially, who need this remedy.
The Word of wisdom. Wisdom speaks of things opposite (more literal than NKJ’s “excellent,” Proverbs 8:6) our folly. Wisdom, an attribute of the Son, is personified as female. But just as God is identified with love as an attribute (cf. 1 John 4:8), so also the Son is identified with wisdom as an attribute. God is more than love, but we can think of Him as love personified. So, too, with wisdom. The Son is wisdom (one of His attributes), but He is more than wisdom. We will think about that more, when we come to Proverbs 8:22-36. It is important, here, to see that wisdom is personal. We are not merely listening to instruction; we are listening to a Person in the greatness of His wisdom. And that Person is completely opposed to wickedness (Proverbs 8:7) and crookedness (Proverbs 8:8). So, from wisdom’s mouth we can expect only to hear what is upright (Proverbs 8:6), true (Proverbs 8:7), and righteous (Proverbs 8:8).
This Word itself gives light and ability. Apart from knowing this important truth from Scripture as a whole, we might miss that it is implied here. Except, if it isn’t the Word itself, by which God Himself gives the ability to understand His own Word, Proverbs 8:9 would make no sense. By the Word itself, God makes His Word plain (verse 9a). By the Word itself, God gives men to see that the Word is right (verse 9b).
The wealth of wisdom. Wealth seems like it will give pleasure, but wisdom gives true joy. Wealth seems like it will give prosperity, but wisdom gives true flourishing. Wealth seems like it will give secure circumstances , but wisdom makes a man secure in every circumstance. Wealth may be a good gift from God, but truly biblical wisdom gives us God Himself as the gift! So, we ought to desire and pursue it more than silver (Proverbs 8:10a), gold (verse 10b), rubies (Proverbs 8:11a) or any material thing (verse 11b).
How are you getting wisdom and helping others, especially men/boys, to? Who is wisdom? How do you value Him?
Sample prayer: Lord, give us wisdom. Yes, give us Yourself, by Your Spirit’s use of the Word, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP119B “How Can a Young Man Cleanse His Way?” or TPH119M “O How I Love Your Holy Law”
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