Proverbs 8: The Call Of Wisdom And Advice

I. Introduction: The Call of Wisdom (Verses 1-11)

Proverbs 8 is a chapter that emphasizes the importance of wisdom. Once again, the writer personifies the virtuous woman as opposed to the adulterous one. The virtuous woman calls out to people and urges them to seek her, just like the Lord does in our lives. For instance, James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

A. Wisdom’s invitation to listen and gain understanding (Verse 1)

In the first few verses, the author declares that wisdom cries out. She raises her voice to be heard in the highest point, or the place that gathers most attention. Wisdom is therefore not esoteric or hard to find; it’s out there for people to discover. In fact, wisdom is inviting everyone to hear from her!

Furthermore, when you rely on wisdom, you will gain prudence, righteousness, and prosperity. It’s a benefit and a treasure that is not hidden, but out in the open for all to see. This opposes other famous philosopher and worldviews. For example, Plato believed that ultimate reality and the Forms was only attainable by a few who possessed the intellectual ability and capable of abtract reasoning.

B. The value of wisdom’s teachings (Verses 2-3)

There are many valuable assets that wisdom imparts to people. For example, wisdom teaches prudence. Prudence is the ability to make wise decisions and avoid hasty ones that lead to negative consequences. Moreover, wisdom cultivates righteousness to treat others with respect and avoiding harm or exploitation of others.

Furthermore, wisdom teaches understanding in Proverbs 8. Wisdom helps us see things clearly and make better-informed decisions. Additionally, it teaches wealth and honor, which is a byproduct of living wise. And finally, wisdom gives you favor with God.

C. The character of wisdom and her counsel (Verses 4-11)

In this chapter, wisdom counsels people in several ways. First, she calls out the simple and tells them to seek after prudence. Next, she reaches to those who are foolish and explains how setting their hearts on wisdom will save them from calamity.

She tells these people trustworthy things, opens her lips to speak the truth, how she detests wickedness, her words are just and not crooked or perverse. Her demeanor and relationship with others is quite the opposite of the adulterous woman – who speaks falsehood, is wicked, and leads down a path of destruction and misery.

This reminds me of a story of a young man named David, who had inherited a large sum of money. He began to indulge in all sorts of pleasures and luxuries, spending his money on parties, fancy clothes, and expensive cars. While he was in the city one day, he heard a woman’s voice calling out. He went over to investigate and found Sophia, who was known throughout the city for wisdom, insight, and guidance.

She said to David that he was blessed with great wealth but warned him that with great wealth comes great responsibility. David, however, scoffed at her words and belittled her. “What do you know about wealth and pleasure?” He said. She kindly responded. “Listen to my counsel, and I promise you will not regret it.”

David was intrigued and decided to meet with her for further counsel. Over those several weeks she taught him wisdom, prudence, and was able to help him live a life of purpose and meaning. Slowly over time, David began to use his money for good. He was investing in businesses that would benefit the community and surroudned himself with people who shared his values. This was how wisdom and counsel saved his life!

D. The Benefits of Wisdom (Verses 12-21)

There are several benefits to gaining wisdom. First, it offers guidance and direction, helping the person stay on the path of righteousness and heeding to God’s commandments. We see this in the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Despite all the difficulties being sold into slavery by his own family, Joseph relied on trusting in God’s wisdom. This helped protect him from harm in Egypt, ultimately achieving great success as the second most powerful leader in the world at the time.

Second, wisdom gives understanding and insight that can help one navigate through the complexities of life. Daniel is a prime example of this. When king Nebuchadnezzar’s own sages told the king to issue a decree, forbidding anyone to pray to any god except Nebuchadnezzar for 30 days or else be thrown into the lion’s den, Daniel of course was found in violation of this mandate. He was thrown into the lion’s den, but God saved him through this complex situation.

Third, as we read through verses 17-21, there is much rewards of wisdom, such as wealth, honor, and righteousness. The story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24-30 is a prime example of how wisdom leads to honor.

In the story, a woman begged Jesus to heal her daughter who was possessed by an evil spirit. Initially, Jesus rejected her request but the woman begged and said that even the dogs under the table eat the crumbs. This story shows how the woman’s wisdom and faith led to receiving honor from the Lord.

Finally, another benefit to wisdom is it leads to long life and health. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells a parable about two different builders. One was wise and built their house on rock. The other builder was unwise and built their house on sand. When the storms came, the house that was developed on the rock withstood the wind and rain, but the house built upon sand collapsed.

This story shows how wisdom, a strong foundation, can provide stability and security in life. Therefore, when we follow Jesus and build wisdom, we can weather the storms of life and avoid the destructive consequences of unwise choices. This parable shows how seeking wisdom can lead one to experience lasting success and security.

As we think about the numerous benefits of wisdom–from honor, guidance, insight, and long life and health–we are reminded of the preeminence of wisdom in our lives. In verses 22-31, the author discusses wisdom’s divine origin and relationship with God and the role in the creation of mankind.

E. The Preeminence of Wisdom (Verses 22-31)

In this section, the wisdom of God is seen as eternal and with God before the creation of the world. In fact, John 1:1-3 described Jesus–who is the Word–as being with God in the beginning and playing a key role in the creation of all things.

Furthermore, in verses 27-29, the author describes the wisdom of God has being connected to creation, guiding us in living a righteous life. Genesis 1:1-31 mimics this verse because it describes the creation of the world being made with God’s wisdom and power.

As we read in this section, the writer poetically speaks on the wisdom of God as a source of joy and blessing to those who seek it. In James 1:5 we see the same attitude, encouraging believers to ask God for wisdom and promises that He will generously bless us.

The preeminence of wisdom is a prominent theme that is threaded throughout both the Old and New Testament. In Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman who compels us to listen to her counsel so that those will find favor and life from the Lord, and those who reject will bring harm upon themselves. This message is reiterated in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the importance of wisdom and eternal life. Let’s now discuss wisdom’s exhortation to listen, find life, and consequences of rejecting wisdom.

F. The Final Appeal (Verses 32-36)

In the final section of Proverbs 8, we see that those who listen to wisdom are blessed and finds favor from the Lord. It also contrasts the wise with fools who injure themselves with poor decisions. In essence, these verses encourage us to seek wisdom and follow her ways, as doing so leads to a blessed life.

There are various Bible examples that correspond to this truth of wisdom. For example, the story of King Solomon is faced with a difficult decision and asks God for wisdom. In Matthew 25:1-13,Jesus teaches about virgins who are waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. He tells his disciples that five are wise and bring extra oil for their lamps, whereas the other five are foolish and do not. When the bridegroom arrives, the wise virgins prepare and are able to enter the wedding feast, but the foolish virgins are left.

Proverbs 8 is a powerful poem that personifies wisdom as a woman calling out to people to follow her ways. The poem focuses on the benefits of seeking wisdom, life and honor. It also emphasizes the consequences of ignoring wisdom–which can lead to death and destruction. Furthermore, wisdom encourages readers to seek her with all their heart and promises that those who do so will be blessed and not regret it.

The poem concludes with a final appeal from wisdom to those who are listening. Wisdom, personified as a woman calling out on the streets, urges people to heed her advice and not to neglect the instructions she gives. The key to Proverbs 8 is presenting wisdom as a desirable trait that leads to wise decisions and safeguards them from poor choices. All of us need more wisdom in our lives!