Wisdom Offers Her Service to All
June 29, 2021
Commentary
In chapter seven we read how the adulteress went out in the streets to seduce the young man. Now we see how wisdom, like a virtuous woman, is seen crying in the streets offering services to all who will receive them:
Where she cries – in “high places” and at the gates (vv. 1-3).To whom she cries – to “the sons of men,"to people in general (vv. 4-5).What she cries – that which is “excellent,” “right” and “true” (vv. 6-9).Why she cries – because what she has to offer is far more valuable than silver, gold or rubies (vv. 10-11).Wisdom speaks openly in the high places and gates. Wisdom does not speak with a seductive voice under the cover of darkness; she stands in the higher parts of the city and goes to every place where people in numbers are apt to be found. She works at the intersections and before the large gates of the city. She is not willing that any should perish. ( II Pet 3:9). She pleads with the simple and the fool to direct their hearts. From the mouth of wisdom proceeds only those things that are right and true. The speech of wisdom is contrasted with the speech of the adulterous woman in verse 8. The words of wisdom are to those who practice hearing them of greater value than silver, gold, or jewels.
Application
Even though wisdom is available to every person many turn it down. That is why it is important for me to have a plan for gaining wisdom and discipline myself to follow that plan.
Proverbs 8:1– 11 (NET)
1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the top of the prominent places along the way, at the intersection of the paths she has taken her stand;
3 beside the gates opening into the city, at the entrance of the doorways she cries out:
4 “To you, O people, I call out, and my voice calls to all mankind.
5 You who are naive, discern wisdom! And you fools, understand discernment!
6 Listen, for I will speak excellent things, and my lips will utter what is right.
7 For my mouth speaks truth, and my lips hate wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing in them twisted or crooked.
9 All of them are clear to the discerning and upright to those who find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than rubies, and desirable things cannot be compared to her.