Some Thoughts From Proverbs 8

Proverbs 8:1-11

¹Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?
² On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;
³ beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
⁴ “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.
⁵ O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.
⁶ Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,
⁷ for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
⁸ All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
⁹ They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
¹⁰ Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
¹¹ for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

The writer commends wisdom to his readers. There is here certain truths about wisdom that we need to understand and accept.

1.      Verses I-4 - Wisdom is universally useful and applied. Its availability and use is as broad as our race.

Verses 2-3 - shows presence in all areas of man's habitation. It is not confined to either city or country. Its presence and usefulness is as broad as the voice which broadcasts it.

2. Verses 5-6 - It matters not who receives and uses wisdom, its origin and intent are always “noble" and ''right". If those who hear it are "simple" or" fools" it does not change the content of that directed to them. The failure to benefit is their fault alone.

3. Verses 7-9 - Wisdom, truth, and righteousness are synonymous. These are the content of wisdom but they are also its purpose, never wickedness.

4. Vesrses 10-11 - Now we are told of its value. A. It is better than the most valuable treasures.   B. It so valuable that there is no comparison. The accomplishments of wisdom are always intended to be faith and obedience.