January 9, 2024

Where in the Bible Do We Learn About God's Wisdom?

Proverbs 8

Kortni Williams
Tuesday's Devo

January 9, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 9, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 9, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

January 9, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 8:11

"[F]or wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her."

Proverbs 8

The Blessings of Wisdom

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

12  I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
    and I find knowledge and discretion.
13  The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
    and perverted speech I hate.
14  I have counsel and sound wisdom;
    I have insight; I have strength.
15  By me kings reign,
    and rulers decree what is just;
16  by me princes rule,
    and nobles, all who govern justly. 1 8:16 Most Hebrew manuscripts; many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint govern the earth
17  I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me diligently find me.
18  Riches and honor are with me,
    enduring wealth and righteousness.
19  My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
    and my yield than choice silver.
20  I walk in the way of righteousness,
    in the paths of justice,
21  granting an inheritance to those who love me,
    and filling their treasuries.

22  The LORD possessed 2 8:22 Or fathered; Septuagint created me at the beginning of his work, 3 8:22 Hebrew way
    the first of his acts of old.
23  Ages ago I was set up,
    at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
24  When there were no depths I was brought forth,
    when there were no springs abounding with water.
25  Before the mountains had been shaped,
    before the hills, I was brought forth,
26  before he had made the earth with its fields,
    or the first of the dust of the world.
27  When he established the heavens, I was there;
    when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28  when he made firm the skies above,
    when he established 4 8:28 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain the fountains of the deep,
29  when he assigned to the sea its limit,
    so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30      then I was beside him, like a master workman,
and I was daily his 5 8:30 Or daily filled with delight,
    rejoicing before him always,
31  rejoicing in his inhabited world
    and delighting in the children of man.

32  And now, O sons, listen to me:
    blessed are those who keep my ways.
33  Hear instruction and be wise,
    and do not neglect it.
34  Blessed is the one who listens to me,
    watching daily at my gates,
    waiting beside my doors.
35  For whoever finds me finds life
    and obtains favor from the LORD,
36  but he who fails to find me injures himself;
    all who hate me love death.”

Footnotes

[1] 8:16 Most Hebrew manuscripts; many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint govern the earth
[2] 8:22 Or fathered; Septuagint created
[3] 8:22 Hebrew way
[4] 8:28 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
[5] 8:30 Or daily filled with
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 8:5 simple . . . fools. For these terms see Introduction: Reading Proverbs. Though such people have not embraced the covenant, they are still invited to do so.

Study Notes

Prov. 8:6–9 Wisdom describes the character of her speech (noble things, right, righteous, nothing twisted or crooked) in contrast to the speech of the forbidden woman (see 2:16; 5:3; 6:24; 7:5) and of those who use their words for wicked purposes (e.g., the one who causes discord, 6:12, 19).

Study Notes

Prov. 8:13 Describing what wisdom hates calls a person to examine his or her heart, to guard it from such things, and to practice what the Lord loves (compare 6:12–19).

Study Notes

Prov. 8:14–16 Wisdom can give the simple person the same insight used by kings and rulers when they govern nations justly.

Study Notes

Prov. 8:18–21 Within a just society, the wise person will often enjoy riches and honor. But wisdom gives something even greater: an enduring wealth and righteousness, a fruit that is better than gold and silver, and an abundant inheritance. These represent favor from the Lord (see v. 35).

Study Notes

Prov. 8:22–31 the first of his acts of old (v. 22). Wisdom was present with God when he created the world. Wisdom was daily his delight (v. 30; see also 3:19–20). God offers this deep wisdom to the faithful; they may have insight into how the created world works.

Study Notes

Prov. 8:32–36 O sons draws together all of Wisdom’s paternal appeals to highlight the benefits of wisdom for faithful covenant living. all who hate me love death. Those who practice what wisdom hates (see v. 13) show that they are on the way that leads not to life and favor but to injury and death.

S3:007 Proverbs 8

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 8

Do you remember watching cartoons on Saturday morning as a kid? Do you recall seeing your favorite character faced with a decision to make, and two small characters would appear on their shoulders? One was usually dressed in white with wings and a halo, while the other was wearing red with tiny horns and a pitchfork. These small characters would then make a compelling case for the way the favorite character should go rather than adopting the way promoted by the other small character.

We see a similar case throughout Proverbs. The poetry paints a picture of four characters, two of which embody wisdom, and two who don't. This chapter is about the wise woman character, or "Lady Wisdom," and she is making her case to us. She calls out to us to follow her, but why? Because "wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her." (Proverbs 8:11) I don't know about you, but this shakes me up a bit. There are plenty of times that I value status, money, or possessions above wisdom. These are my "jewels."

The good news is that Jesus came that we may have abundant life (John 10:10) and not be slaves to our desires. This wisdom described in Proverbs 8 is freely given to those who seek it: "I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me." (Proverbs 8:17) Furthermore, the wisdom available to us is the very same wisdom that was with God before the foundation of the world. What? The same wisdom that helped bring order to chaos.

Jesus, being God, embodies the attributes of His very nature, including wisdom. Where better to seek than from the source? This passage serves as a reminder that wisdom comes from God Himself and is ultimately a call to a relationship with Christ. In Him, we are wise and blessed with a wealth that is beyond our "jewels."

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. What are the "jewels" in your life? What are you tempted to seek more than wisdom?

2. How can you diligently look for wisdom today?

3. Consider a time when you felt torn between the two characters "whispering" on your shoulders. What did you choose? What was the outcome?

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HS

Hugh Stephenson

From the ESV Intro- Prov. 1:8–9:18 A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom. This section describes the two paths implied in 1:7: the wise (grounded in the fear of the Lord) and the foolish (despising such wisdom and instruction). The appeals consist of: (1) a father (and mother in 1:8; 6:20) exhorting a son to seek wisdom (e.g., 2:1–22) and warning him against the ruin that comes from folly (e.g., 6:1–19); (2) Wisdom (personified as a woman) calling on all who will listen to seek her (1:20–33; 8:1–36); and (3) a final contrast of the two paths represented by Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly (9:1–18). The purpose of the section is to instruct the young and simple to embrace wisdom and to instill in them the desire to discern and persevere in the path of wisdom. Prov. 8:1–36 Second Wisdom Appeal. This section begins with a personification of wisdom as a woman calling out in the streets (vv. 1–3), followed by the very words of her appeal (vv. 4–36). Her discourse consists of five main sections: an address (vv. 4–5), a call to listen to her instruction and the grounds for doing so (vv. 6–11), a description of her righteous character and purposes (vv. 12–21), a description of her divine origin and use (vv. 22–31), and a concluding appeal that again addresses the “sons” and thus evokes all the preceding paternal appeals as integral to her instruction (vv. 32–36). As in 1:20–33, Wisdom is personified as a great lady, which helps illustrate the central message of Proverbs: the origin, existence, and purpose of true wisdom are properly framed in relationship with the covenant Lord, who is also the Maker of heaven and earth. As a result, the realm of wisdom encompasses every aspect of life in every corner of creation. Prov. 8:22–31 the first of his acts of old (v. 22). The same wisdom that makes this invitation is the wisdom that was present with God when he created the world and established it as a coherent system, for Wisdom (personified) says, I was daily his delight (v. 30; cf. also 3:19–20). The wisdom that enters the lives of the faithful actually enables them to participate in the rationality at the heart of things. This is why the impious are called “foolish” or even “stupid” (12:1); they are self-haters (cf. 8:36).
HS

Hugh Stephenson

From Constable- Chapter 8 is an apology (defense) of wisdom. The sage returned to the figure of Wisdom that he used at the beginning of this part of Proverbs (1:20). "In loftiness and grandeur this speech rises from the pages of Proverbs like the Jungfrau over Interlaken or Rainier above Puget Sound. It is the summit of Old Testament discipleship, inviting all who see it to mount the slopes of righteousness and justice, goodness and mercy, and from there to see life as God intended in those days when He called creation into being and shaped humankind in His own image. Wisdom laughed for joy when He did, and all who truly seek her by fearing God are promised a share in that pristine happiness."[249] "The young man has been examining the literature of the different colleges; and the school of wisdom and the school of fools are bidding for his application. In this chapter it is wisdom that sends out an invitation to him with a note of urgency. Pressure is put upon the young man now. The school bell is going to ring before long, and they [both] want this young man enrolled."[250] The argument of this section develops as follows. Wisdom would be every person's guide (vv. 1-5; cf. Gal. 5:18, 22- 23). She is morality's partner (vv. 6-13), the key to success (vv. 14-21), the principle of creation (vv. 22-31), and the one essential necessity of life (vv. 32-36). Chapter 8 contains the longest sustained personification in the Bible.[251] Since the essence of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, a heart of adoration and submission to God is the foundation for skillful living, especially in the face of life's most severe experiences. Not only in counseling, but in all aspects of life, wisdom calls for a deeper reverence for God in conforming one's life to the Creator's design."[256]
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Good morning Kortni! I love this from your devo- “The good news is that Jesus came that we may have abundant life (John 10:10) and not be slaves to our desires.” In the Betterman program one of the messages pointed out that as followers of Jesus, Satan can’t ever have our eternal life. So…what he goes after is our abundant life. That’s what I see as the battle. Assurance of salvation can make me complacent. Proverbs reminds me that Satan’s focus will be on every imaginable vulnerability so that he can draw me off mission for God and especially to steal the love, joy, and peace that God has promised me. ------------------------------------------------------ My focus today is on verses 7, 11 and 35-36. Verse 7- -for my mouth will utter truth;
     wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
 Verse 11 -for wisdom is better than jewels,
    a nd all that you may desire cannot compare with her. Verses 35-36 -For whoever finds me finds life
     and obtains favor from the LORD,
  but he who fails to find me injures himself;
     all who hate me love death.” I note that when a verse starts with “for” it’s usually going to answer the question “why”. To these verses I add verses 13 and 14 from Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles 13-You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14-I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. --------------------------------- In this collection of verses I see a clear invitation to wisdom. It’s on me to respond. It’s another representation that God gives me the gift of choice. He clearly explains which of the two paths is the right one and why; (See also Matthew 7:13-14). How I respond is up to me.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Pr 8:22-31, 36 cf. Jn 1:1-5, 11
MS

Michael Scaman

News you can use from Proverbs 8 News Flash from Jerusalem: Woman reportedly seen on roofs Lady Wisdom Spotted on a high rooftop and addressing random people passing by. Amidst the city's business, Lady Wisdom's resounding call reverberates, ascending to the peaks and crossroads, towering near gates and entrances. Encouraging the naive and unwise to smarten up, she imparts a message of prudence and sensibility. Her dignified discourse, in stark contrast to malevolent words, commands attention. Lady Wisdom, an ageless presence, unveils her role in creation, reveling in the marvels of God. Encouraging the city's youth to listen closely, she pledges blessings for adherents to her guidance, cautioning that spurning wisdom leads to harm and an embrace of demise. Stay connected for the latest updates as Lady Wisdom takes the spotlight in the heart of Jerusalem! Mixed reactions from the crowds Awkward awe ripples through the crowd Whispers of agreement and nods of understanding among the onlookers Skeptical murmurs and furrowed brows surface, as some in the crowd grapple with the claims Excitement mounts as Lady Wisdom reveals her integral role in creation A stillness envelops the assembly as Lady Wisdom extends blessings to the wise Emergency workers didn't know what to say but din't see her as a harm to herself She says the real emergency lies with those exemplifying a form of "cancel culture" towards her teachings.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Kortni, we shared so many great thoughts as we read this passage. Thank you for your devo. Proverbs 8:35 - whoever finds me finds life and John 10:10 reminds us that this is life abundant. I too was also in awe of the wise character of God as wisdom was personified as being with God when creation was made, setting up boundaries of earth and bringing order to chaos. 1 Corinthians 14:33 reminds me God is a God of order and peace so when I feel there is disorder I likely have chosen not to walk in righteousness in some way. Q2 - How can I diligently look for wisdom today? Be spirit filled and Holy Spirit led through constant prayer asking the Lord for wisdom in things today.
GJ

greg jones

Great summary of the chapter. Chapters 1-9 are the introduction to the actual proverbs which start in chapter 10. “Do you remember watching cartoons on Saturday morning as a kid? Do you recall seeing your favorite character faced with a decision to make, and two small characters would appear on their shoulders?” Yes, I think that a great image to use when talking about wisdom. Created in God’s image we have the capacity for great wisdom. Created as less than God we tend to default towards folly. Sometimes the tension between the two voices on my shoulders can be the beginning of moving from a folly view of a situation to a wisdom view of a situation. Example: For me, without thought how do I know whether to A. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Proverbs 26:4 Or B. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes. Proverbs 26:5 Without thought I would think I would have about a 50/50 chance of getting that right. My folly default tends to wreck those 50/50 odds in my case.
MS

Michael Scaman

Gregg, I think you answer a fool but don't stoop to his level and be like him You help him see his error Let's say it as if Snoop Doggy dog Snoopy Doggy Dog, here's a paradox spin, Proverbs 26:4, where the wisdom begins. Answer not a fool, lest you play the part, Mirror's truth might reveal your foolish heart. Flip the script, Proverbs 26:5 on the rise, Answer a fool, strip away his disguise. Expose the folly, help him become wise, Snoopy droppin' truth, no foolish ties.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Friendships are “jewels”. Having learned God’s ways and God’s values, I wander less and stay to God more to make good choices. 2. I can utilize what I learn from services on Sundays and from reading the Bible in work today as a professional and as a person. 3. In planning Christmas activities and in making Christmas purchases, I felt torn between several options. I chose God. He helped me do what was relevant versus materialistic. Everything turned out nice. Kortni - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You made a great point in saying “the wisdom available to us is the very same wisdom that was with God before the foundation of the world”. That’s good wisdom we should all seek and use daily.
SB

Sue Bohlin

It’s easy to blow past the foundational importance of wisdom—we’ve got things to do, places to go, people to meet, right?! But we learn in Proverbs 8 that wisdom was the VERY first thing God created. When we diligently seek wisdom as she strongly urges us to do, we can let her take up more “real estate” in our thinking and our character. This would result in being “filled with delight day after day, rejoicing in His presence.” (Vs. 29) I don’t know about you, but I want delight to fill me—and overflow—every day! I want to be so aware of God’s presence that I’m in a continual state of rejoicing. Cultivating wisdom can do that. This week I’m on a cruise, one of the most secular, apparently-godless atmospheres you can find. But He’s here! Yesterday I struck up a conversation with a man in an orthopedic boot on crutches. I think he’d been drinking, judging from how emotional he got in telling me how he broke his foot. He suddenly asked, “Why are you even talking to me like this?” I said, “Well, God loves you very much and He wanted to show you through me, I guess.” I rejoiced in God’s presence with delight in His goodness!