Wisdom Calls to Us

Wisdom calls to individuals and urges them to recognize her value. In contrast to the clamorous wicked woman of Chapter 7, wisdom invites us to come and learn her worth in every prominent place where she stands and cries out: “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart” (Proverbs 8:4-5, New King James Version). Her advice is good, not bad; it is worth more than silver and gold (vv. 10-11)! 

Wisdom Lists Her Gifts

Wisdom boasts an excellent history of accomplishments. Verse 13 states, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate.” Wisdom proclaims her significance in governance: “By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth” (v. 15). In verses 17-18, she says, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness.” Indeed, wisdom blesses those who pursue her by filling their treasuries and rewarding them with greater wealth than silver and gold (vv. 19-21)!! 

Wisdom Assisted God in Creation

One of the greatest endorsements of wisdom is that even God made use of her in the marvelous creation and arrangement of the earth. Verse 22 declares, “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth.” Verse 27 adds, “When He prepared the heavens, I was there; when He drew a circle on the face of the deep.” 

Blessed is the Person Who Listens to Wisdom 

How blessed is the one who watches and listens for wisdom daily (v. 34)! Verses 35 and 36 state, “Whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; and all who hate me love death.” 

Personal Application 

When I reflect on the message of this chapter and the incredible way wisdom is extolled, I realize how easily I can become distracted and steer away from the richness that God provides daily. This chapter emphasizes that wisdom is available everywhere and offers riches as described. I’m sure that good kings like David, Hezekiah, and Josiah have utilized godly wisdom. And that type is wisdom is available to us! While I may not “hate” wisdom like some people in this world—those who literally reject the Bible and its teachings—I sometimes take lightly the words God has given me, in that I do not give my Bible enough love and attention. 

It is profound to consider that God speaks of wisdom as the very foundation of all things, present with Him from the beginning. So, I need to focus on striving for wisdom daily, taking time away from my busy schedule to pray earnestly to God, read His Word, and meditate more deeply on what He has to say. Utilizing that wisdom throughout my daily walk is critical, and it is an area in which we (all) can certainly grow! 

I ask for your help and guidance, Lord, so that I do not take Your words of wisdom lightly. I want to move forward in my life without missing the opportunities to conduct myself wisely, influencing this world in ways that will draw proper attention to You. Enable me, Father, to be the man You want me to be, in the image of Your Son, through the wisdom found in Your Word!! Amen.