Day 138: Better than treasures - Proverbs 8 vs 1 - 11

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

I’d suggest that vs 10-11 sum up the important lesson that this father wanted to pass on to his children. He says that everything they may ever desire in life, even gold or precious jewels, cannot compare with wisdom! That statement in itself is a good example of what wisdom is all about. What do verses 6-9 show about wisdom's words and teaching?

We see that wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge or cleverness – it's the ability to choose what is truly worthwhile and morally sound, and to reject all that is false. One of the great lies of life is that being rich with this world's treasures will give fulfilment and joy. Riches can certainly give us pleasures – but they are pleasures that will pass. They won't prepare our hearts for eternity, and for facing God when our life here is done.

The writer pictures wisdom as a woman calling out to all who pass by to listen to her words and her teachings. One reason for picturing wisdom as a woman might have been to balance the picture in the last chapter of a seductive woman who lured passers by to commit adultery with her. Clearly not all women are like that! But in a day and age when gender issues and feminism are so much in the news it's good to keep the wise woman in mind. In almost the last verse of Proverbs one of its writers says: “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) That's also a wise observation. But this chapter is more about wisdom itself. What two qualities of wisdom will keep us from being simpletons and fools? (vs 4-5)

Wisdom calls us to prudence and sense. The dictionary defines prudence as “being able to control and discipline oneself by the use of reason.” This would include not losing our temper, jumping to conclusions, or making hasty decisions. The Hebrew word meant to have understanding. Sensible people will fare better in life than those who are controlled by their emotions and often make foolish choices.

What do vs 6-7 say about wisdom and wickedness?

Wisdom sees wicked ways for what they are in God's sight – an abomination! That's a strong word, but it means that a wise person doesn't give sinful actions sweet words so they don't sound so bad. People speak of a 'white lie' – or someone was 'a little naughty' – or 'it's part of growing up'. Yes, some sins are less serious than others, but the act of doing wrong is in itself a great wickedness. The wise person will never make light of sin. True wisdom will never falsely paint sin as nothing to worry about.

Many people in the world would regard all of this as nonsense. But which sort of people does the writer say will take wisdom to heart? (vs 8-9)

It takes wisdom to seek wisdom. Perhaps the words of James in the New Testament apply here. “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.” (James 1:5)