Proverbs 8:1-21 - Outline of Proverbs (Book Notes menu page)

The Voice of Wisdom - The Appeal to the Simple

Read Proverbs 8:1-6 - To this point, the book of Proverbs has presented the wisdom of experience, as addressed by a father to his son. In Chapter 8, Wisdom (personified) appeals directly to the "simple" (ie., to those who are naive), and the "fools" (ie., those who are dull of understanding). Naturally, we don't like to think of ourselves in those terms. But, Wisdom is speaking to us (eg., Luk 24:25; Heb 5:11-13).

Who is the person of Wisdom? As we will see, more clearly, in the latter portion of the chapter, it is the Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor 1:30), who calls to us through the written Word of God.

If that is the case, why is Wisdom presented, here, in the feminine gender? Perhaps...

- To show the gentle tenderness of our Lord, who appeals, in great love,

  to "whosoever will," but who will not force anyone to follow Him (eg., Mat 11:28-30; Rev 22:16,17).
- To show the great contrast between the appeal of the flesh and the appeal of God's Word.
  As you recall, chapters 6 and 7 warned sons to avoid "the strange woman."
  - Pro 6:20-25 - Sons are warned to beware of their own fleshly lusts toward her.
  - 7:4-12 - Sons are warned to beware of her seductive appeal toward them.
  The appeal of Wisdom contrasted with the appeal of the strange woman...
  - to the simple (8:5; cf. 7:7,8)
  - as a kinswoman (7:4,5; cf. 7:10)
  - to intercept the simple along the way (8:2-4; cf. 7:9-12)
  - with a voice of reason and excellance (8:1,6; cf. 7:13-23).
    Wisdom does not deceive or seduce, but appeals on the basis of that which is excellent and upright.
  The words and lips of Wisdom (8:7-14) versus those of the strange woman (7:13-14)...
    The speech of Wisdom...
    - is truth... righteousness, 8:7,8 (contrast, 7:14-17)-
    - is free of wickedness *:7,8),
    which Wisdom regards as an abomination {ie., a disgusting thing},
    rather than as the peak of enjoyment, 7:18
- contains nothing froward {twisted} or perverse {perverted}, 8:8 (cp. 7:18-21).
    The ungodly twist God's Word to suit themselves. cp. 2Pet 3:16
- is plain to him that understandeth, 8:9
    ...but, unintelligible to those whose hearts are veiled in darkness (cp. 7:21-23).
    Though, the veil would be lifted, if they would turn to the Lord (cp. 2Cor 3:13-16; Eph 5:14,15).
- leads to lasting reward (8:10,11),
    for those who "seek first the Kingdom of God..." (Mat 6:33). cp. Pro 7:24-27
- is Person to person (in 8:12, Wisdom is presented as a Person.):
    "I wisdom..."
    "...dwell with prudence {ie., shrewdness, discernment}..."
    "...and find out witty inventions {ie., crafty plots, evil devices}." cp. 2Cor 2:11
    The person who heeds Wisdom will discern (to avoid) deceptive wickedness. (cf. Pro 7:7,22)
- is of the LORD: "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil..." (8:13),
    for evil is incompatible with the things He loves (Psa 19:9-11).
- is "Counsel... sound {substantive} wisdom... understanding {discernment}... strength {might}" (8:14).
    To those who heed God's Word, He provides the resources to resist the evil (eg., 1Cor 10:13; Jam 4:6,7), and to stand true for Him, against a continual barrage of seductive temptations to sin (Pro 7:21).
  The reward of those who follow Wisdom (8:15-21),
    versus those who follow the strange woman (7:22-27)
    - 8:15,16 - Noble leaders established (cp. Dan 2:21),
    versus being destroyed and cast down.
- 8:17 - Loved by the Person of Wisdom (eg., Joh 14:21),
    versus being consigned to hell.
- 8:18,19 - Durable riches, better than gold (Psa 19:9,10),
    versus the wasting of temporal wealth and honor. Pro 6:26,33
- 8:20 - the paths of Righteousness... Judgment (ie., justice, right decisions)
    Note the progression in 1Cor 1:30: Wisdom... righteousness... sanctification (growth in holy character)... redemption (out of this evil world system). This path begins with receiving Christ, the Wisdom of God (versus following the unwise downward spiral of unrighteousness, Pro 5:8-13).
- 8:21 - Lasting treasure in a secure treasury (as in Mat 6:19-21; Col 2:3; 3:1-4),
    versus eternal loss, Pro 7:26,27.

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