June 14, 2020 | Books of the Bible | Proverbs by Jamie O'Brien
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.
Consider
- What type of wisdom are you seeking, and does what you think and hear line up with the wisdom of God revealed through His Word?
- Are you seeking the wisdom of God in all you do, your relationships, your finances, your family?
Pray
- Pray that the Lord would give you wisdom and discernment as you filter through all the voices competing for your attention.
- Pray for wisdom and unity for our elders, pastors, and the pastor search team as they lead us through the Creek’s reopening and as they search for the man God has already chosen to be our Pastor; and that Christ Jesus is glorified in all we do.
