Proverbs 8:1-36

Proverbs 8:1-36

To meditate comes from the picture of a cow who will crop off grass and store it in one of her stomachs. Later she will bring up this cud and chew it. If ever there was a passage that deserves that kind of rumination, it is this chapter. Here wisdom advertises herself and calls for our attention, expressing her merits. There are four sections to her address.

First is that wisdom is very available. Verses 1-11 show us that wisdom is all around us if we will but see her. It is not mandatory to go on a venture of personal discovery to find oneself in order to gain wisdom. She is everywhere, but because of our foolishness, we reject her. Locally gained wisdom is better than great wealth gained far away. 

The second section, verses 12-21, shows us the moral character of wisdom. Verse 13 draws a dividing line between wisdom and righteousness on one side and evil on the other. It is possible to be brilliant and still a fool. How does one tell the difference? The difference is in the way of righteousness, verse 20. The most brilliant doctor, rocket scientist, or leader who is immoral is a fool notwithstanding their IQ. Wisdom gives us enduring wealth (verse 18). What is ancient or enduring wealth? It is the wealth that transcends death. Wisdom is seen in the one who lays up treasures in heaven; wisdom is inherently moral.

In the third section we have a passage requiring deep meditation. Some have looked at this passage and mistakenly concluded there is a fourth person to the godhead. While all analogies fail eventually, we might find insight to think about wisdom this way: wisdom is to God what software is to hardware in a computer. By His might, God has done wonderful things; it is the operating system of wisdom through which He has acted, bringing beauty, delight, and joy. 

Verses 32-36 serve as a conclusion but also an invitation. The pursuit of wisdom is, or should be, a lifelong endeavor. Wisdom is out there for us, but we must stop our own prattling and talking long enough to hear her.

Lord, work in my heart so that I will seek wisdom. Amen.”