Although Lady Wisdom is portrayed in several places through Proverbs 1-9, chapter 8 contains both the sage discussing Lady Wisdom and her speaking on her own behalf. Her speech in chapter 8 is actually her second one in the book as she also called out to the people in Proverbs 8. The chapter opens with rhetorical questions about whether Lady Wisdom cries out to the people. The next two verses reveal that indeed she does and she does so at the high places of the city as well as at the gates of the city (vs. 2-3). The locations she has chosen to advertise herself are central locations of community life and business. She has placed herself in the center of “human activity, commerce, justice, and teaching” in the city such that “wisdom becomes the medium of social order and the basis of life-sustaining teaching that maintains creation” Lady wisdom is famous for its description of the wisdom of God as a person or entity—a deity-level figure who assists God in some way with the creation of the world. 22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. In contrast to the evil woman of chapter 7, another “woman” is presented: Wisdom personified again as a prophetess whose call the son should heed. After calling to all classes of men to come and be wise, Wisdom praises in the first person her own moral excellence and value. Proverbs Chapter 8, wisdom is everlasting. Proverbs Chapter 8. In contrast to the evil woman of chapter 7, another “woman” is presented: Wisdom personified again as a prophetess whose call the son should heed. After calling to all classes of men to come and be wise, Wisdom praises in the first person her own moral excellence and value.
Proverbs Chapter 8:1-36
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She “The Excellence Of Wisdom” she stands in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understands and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso finds me finds life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD. But he that sinned against me wronged his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that in Jesus Christ dwells all the wisdom of the Godhead bodily and I am part of His spiritual body and one with Him by faith. I believe that I would be granted wisdom to choose the good and steer clear of the evil period! That my life may be rooted in Jesus Christ so deeply that His mind will influence my actions, attitudes, words and behavior so that Jesus is seen in me. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Proverbs 8:34
"Only Life Changes" 