Text: Proverbs 8:1-36
“Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?” —Proverbs 8:1
I have a friend and colleague in Northern Ireland who loves to awaken young people at summer camp to the melody of an old traditional children’s song. Each morning he grabs the megaphone, stands in the center of camp, and with the morning fog hovering over the mountains as his backdrop he sings so that the whole countryside can hear:
So rise and shine
And give God the glory glory
Rise and shine
And give God the glory glory
Rise and shine and give God the glory glory
Children of the Lord
The children reluctantly rise to a voice that beckons them to wipe the crust from their eyes and liven their senses.
In Proverbs 8, we hear a voice crying out as widely and broadly as possible “to the children of man,” like a prophetess summoning those within earshot to navigate through the world’s fog and find “prudence” and “sense.” Wisdom is personified as a noble woman rising early in the morning and calling out to the “simple ones” to find “life” and “obtain favor” from the Lord—even offering a stern warning that he who fails to do so “injures himself” (vv. 35-36).
One of the main purposes of the wisdom principles in Proverbs is to align a person’s heart with what the Lord loves, also bringing contrast to what wisdom hates (and therefore what the Lord hates). The call is for a person to examine his or her heart, to guard it from such things, to walk in accord with what the Lord loves, and to seek wisdom for all of life’s interactions. Whether a person’s heart and path are aligned with wisdom is a recurring theme of this chapter (vv. 8:17, 21, 36).
“I love those who love me” reinforces the call to seek wisdom, for she will show favor and then grant multiplied benefits. “Those who seek me diligently find me” reinforces the promise that the Lord will give wisdom and its benefits (vv. 8:18–21, 35). “Riches and honor” come with wisdom, but also something even greater: a kind of “enduring wealth and righteousness” (v. 18), a “fruit” that is “better than gold” and “silver” (v. 19), and an abundant “inheritance” (v. 21). One professor noted: “Paradoxically when wealth is sought it corrupts, but when wisdom is sought, edifying wealth is given (see 1 Kings 3:4–15).” While this description would include any material blessings that come to those who seek wisdom, these things cannot compare to the greater value of what is promised here: life and favor from the Lord (v. 35).
Not everything in life is easy to figure out. How can I be a better parent, spouse, or neighbor? What should I major in? Should I marry this person? Should I take this job? Should I make this financial investment? How can I resolve this relational conflict? How do I honor the Lord with my business? Mr. Google may have a wealth of information, but he doesn’t necessarily have wisdom.
We don’t need to buy into the lie that wisdom is elusive or beyond us. God has never been veiled or cryptic in His leading. His word is clear: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting” (James 1:5-6). He loves to bring clarity into our confusion. He promises to direct “the steps of the godly” because “He delights in every detail of their lives” (Psalm 37:23). Sometimes we just fail to ask Him. Ask in faith and you shall receive!
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, you are the Author of all wisdom, and I’m trusting that you will make this path straight. Please give me insight, clarity, and instruction for what I am facing in this moment. Your Word says you give generously without finding fault, and I believe that promise. I ask for wisdom in faith and I trust you to lead me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions for Reflection and/or Family Discussion:
- What one possession do you value more than any other?
- In Proverbs 8, why do you think wisdom was depicted as being out in the streets of the city?
- What keeps us from asking God for wisdom? What role does faith play in asking God for wisdom?
- What is something that you have mistakenly valued more than wisdom?
- What is a big question mark in your life right now? How will you go about seeking God’s wisdom this week?
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