Listen to Wisdom–Proverbs Chapter Eight

Proverbs 8 is a wonderful example of a poetic device employed to add emphasis to what is being written.  In this chapter, as elsewhere in Proverbs, wisdom is personified.  Instead of being spoken about, it is the one doing the speaking.  A current batch of commercials employs this device where tires and other parts of a car are demanding to be taken to a car dealer to be serviced.  We all know tires can’t talk, but it makes for a better commercial.

Wisdom is not human and thus cannot speak on its own.  Wisdom is personified allows it to speak directly for itself and to the heart of the one listening.  When reading the various sections of Proverbs were wisdom speaks, special attention should be paid for the figure of speech being used designates the section as being “especially noteworthy”.

The wisdom books of the Old Testament were given in the same light as having a person “sage” or wise man.  Wise men were called on to give advice to kings and to instruct the young.  They dealt with practical matters and specifically the book of Proverbs was written to give advice to young people on how to behave in order to live prosperous and happy lives.  Of all the books in the Bible, Proverbs is the one specifically addressed to youth.  Of all the books in the Bible for young people to diligently study and learn, Proverbs would be the best.

The first chapter of Proverbs lays out the reason for the book and benefits of learning what it says.  In Proverbs chapter one it says in verses 1 through 7:

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding,

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity;

To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—

A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

One must always remember that Solomon was told by God he could have anything he wanted and Solomon asked for wisdom.  The wisdom being shared in Proverbs is the very wisdom of God that Solomon requested.  It is not Solomon’s earthly wisdom; it is straight from the very heart of God.  In verse 8 the basic manner of instruction in Proverbs is set forth. 

“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.”

The idea of a father instructing his son on how to prepare for life in the world represents the tone of the whole book.  Proverbs is likened unto sitting down at the feet of the wisest parents who ever lived and hearing them share all the things they have learned about life in their many years of living.  For the most part, the tone of Proverbs is set in this manner with the exceptions of those places where wisdom is personified.  Thus, those sections take on significant extra meaning.

The entire eighth chapter of Proverbs is extremely uplifting as it shows all the wonderful elements of wisdom.  I did want to highlight a few verses that are especially meaningful and relevant.  In verses 10 and 11 we see:

“Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold;

For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.”

These are very strong words coming from a man who was the wealthiest man on earth.   Knowledge, instruction and wisdom are more to be sought after than silver, gold and rubies.  In fact, wisdom and understanding should be more desired than anything in life.  Solomon could say this for that is exactly what he did when asked by God what he wanted most.

The same basic truth was taught by Jesus when he said to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all else would be added.  David said the same basic thing in Psalms37:4 when he said to “delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  It is quite clear that when we seek God, the wisdom of God and the things of God; good things will come to pass.  Verse 19 reinforces this truth:

“My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver.”

Sometime read verses 20 through 31 for an amazing testimony to the power of and value of wisdom.  Knowledge is invaluable, but wisdom is essential to ever live righteously and walk in a manner which glorifies God.  Verses 32 through 36 act as bridge to close the discussion of wisdom’s merits in chapter 8 and leads to warnings of chapter 9.  I leave you this time with these final five verses of chapter 8:

“Now therefore, listen to me, my children.  For blessed are those who keep my ways.

Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.

Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord.

But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.”

Wisdom is certainly something to desire, strive for and pray for God to grant us.  Blessed is the person smart enough to listen to the voice of wisdom.  Blessed is the person who is meek enough to listen to the voice of wisdom.  Blessed in the person who listens to wisdom.