Thoughts From Proverbs 8

Proverbs 8: 1-11

¹Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
² At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
³ beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud:
⁴ “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.
⁵ You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
⁶ Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.
⁷ My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.
⁸ All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.
⁹ To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
¹⁰ Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,
¹¹ for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

The writer's subjects change in this chapter. Through chapter 7 his subjects have been personal and relational. From this point forward they will be far more impersonal, general, and universal. This wisdom that is introduced has characteristics that are:

A. Available to students without distinction cf verse 4.

B. It can be learned even by the simple leaving all without excuse for failing in this virtue, cf vs 5.

C. Wisdom is without exception virtuous. It is always based on God's law, vss-7-9. At this point it must be noted that general wisdom is righteous. It is not the righteousness of grace.

D. Wisdom is more valuable than earthly treasure. This is always so, vss 10-11.

Three general applications of wisdom with which we live in our daily lives are:

1. Respect for authority beginning with parents.

2. A healthy work ethic is not confined to believers.

3. Sexual discretion and love of family is found in society in general.

4. Respect for honesty is common though a seeming failure.