DEVOTION: Wisdom's Call

Proverbs 8:1-6

“Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice? On top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates, at the opening to the city, at the entrance of the doors she cries out: “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O naïve ones understand prudence; and fools, understand wisdom. Listen, for I will speak noble things; and the opening of my lips will reveal right things.” (NASB)

Solomon personifies the voice of wisdom as a virtuous woman; “Lady Wisdom” gives an invitation for all to receive her counsel. In Chater 7, the adulteress went out to seduce the sons of men, but wisdom, like a virtuous woman, called out to those who would listen. Wisdom’s public invitation begins with two rhetorical questions: “Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice?” (verse 1). Wisdom involves “godly knowledge,” while “understanding” applies such wisdom to life. Unlike the adulteress, wisdom detests wickedness (verse 7). She calls out to all but especially seeks the simple and the foolish, those least likely to respond (verse 5). Her words are noble and pure, and the discerning man or woman will recognize them as right (verse 6).

The lack of virtue that characterized the adulteress contrasts with wisdom’s virtuous attributes. The seductress is secretive and deceptive, but wisdom is open and honest. The one who gives in to the adulteress finds shame and death, but the one who follows wisdom will acquire prudence for wise living.

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