Proverbs 8 — Wisdom of God
Introduction: In this Proverb I have separated the verses into four divisions, believing that the personification of wisdom is representative of one of the members of the triune God. The verses in Proverbs 8 that are very similar to the account in Genesis chapter 1 agree that Jehovah made all things that exist. Genesis states that Jehovah made man in the image of God to have dominion over the created world, and Proverbs 8 states that the delight of wisdom was with the sons of men.
NOTE: Bible passages are from the 1901 American Standard Version.
A — Wisdom and Understanding Can Draw Followers to the LORD
Proverbs 8 “4 Unto you, O men, I call; And my voice is to the sons of men. 6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things; And the opening of my lips shall be right things. 7 For my mouth shall utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; And knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it.”
Comments: This Proverb presents opportunity for the reader to spiritually profit from the personification used. The wisdom from God being “spoken” in this Proverb is like a town crier of ancient days who shouted out his message when that was the means of declaring announcements to all who were available to hear. The proclaimed content given herein is truth that is fully righteous with absolutely nothing perverse; and the meaning would be understood by those who seek after the knowledge that is far better than obtaining great riches of silver or gold. Jehovah gives wisdom; out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding, and he lays up sound wisdom for the upright.
B — Wisdom from God Has the Only Lasting Value
Proverbs 8 “13 The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, And the perverse mouth, do I hate. 17 I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me; Yea, durable wealth and righteousness. 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, And that I may fill their treasuries.”
Comments: The true wisdom about the existence and nature of Jehovah God should dwell within one who desires to be guided in life by God. The fear of Jehovah is shown by having the wisdom to hate the things that Jehovah hates. Counsel and sound knowledge are part of the understanding that result in immeasurable strength and influence to enable rulers to reign and decree justice. The personified wisdom loves those who love him, and those that diligently seek him shall find him. The riches and honor gained by finding this personified wisdom are imperishable and far exceed the temporal value of silver and gold. James 1 assures us: “if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
C — The Wisdom of God Was Fully with God in the Beginning
Proverbs 8 “22 Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was. 30 Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him, 31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men.”
John 1 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 3 All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made.”
Comments: The wisdom which is the subject of this Proverb is one of the everlasting characteristics of the eternal triune God. This “wisdom” was with God before the works of creation were started by Jehovah God, participating as a master workman, rejoicing as the delight of Jehovah. The wisdom’s delight was with the sons of men. This is directly connected to John’s Gospel, which declares that the Word was in the beginning with God, and was God; that all things were made through him; that in him was life and the life was the light of men. Colossians 1 further confirms: “For in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth… all things have been created through him, and unto him; and he is before all things, and in him all things consist.”
D — The Word of the LORD Is Truth and Life
Proverbs 8 “34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, And shall obtain favor of Jehovah. 36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: All they that hate me love death.”
Comments: Wisdom wants the sons to listen, because they will be blessed if they keep the ways of wisdom. Those who continually watch and wait to gain more of that instruction will be blessed. When Christ appeared he revealed the redemption of God in the form of flesh, and it is clear that belief in Christ brings life eternal; but those who reject Christ are sinning against their own soul, and thereby choose death. Psalm 111 declares: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endures for ever.”
Reflections in Prayer
Jehovah God, I pray that I have not been slack in my listening and learning from your perfect wisdom as I continue to be near the “door” of your Scripture to hear and apply that which you have prepared. I thank my God for each degree of understanding you have given to me as I know that there will always be much more for me to learn from the Holy Scriptures. I ask that you guide me by the Holy Spirit to use Godly wisdom in whatever manner is most pleasing to my God until my time on earth has passed. I thank you also, Jehovah, that I know if there are times when I fail to do your will for me, I can humbly confess and ask for your forgiveness. Amen.
Published 15 June 2020