NOTE: Wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view
Proverbs 8:1-21
Q.1. What makes God’s wisdom crucial for us all? Can we always rely on wisdom? What does His wisdom produce in us? How valuable is God’s wisdom? – (Prov.8:1-11)
We all started out foolish. Solomon observed that foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child. This demands correction from parents (c.f. Prov.22:15). God in His grace cries out to get our attention, so that He can impart wisdom (Prov.8:1-4. A child is inexperienced and variously described as naive and foolish. Wisdom constantly makes its appeal in every situation of life. Wisdom is always right, straight forward, and desirable. It cannot countenance lies or wickedness and shuns everything crooked and perverted – 7 “For my mouth will utter truth … 8 All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverted in them. 9 They are all straightforward to him who understands and right to those who find knowledge (Prov.8:7-9). Wisdom is more valuable than choicest gold, and better than jewels – and all desirable things cannot compare with her (Prov.8:11). However, the ungodly and naive will give it up for fame, popularity, fortune, and success, and pleasure.
Q.2. How does wisdom express itself? What attitude accompanies godly wisdom? How can we gain wisdom? What makes it better than earthly treasure? – (Prov.8:12-21 c.f. Mt.6:19-21)
Wisdom is at home with, and – 12 … lives together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment … 14 Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine (Prov.8:12 & 14). Paul told the Colossians that this is summed up in – God’s mystery that is Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col.2:2-3). Pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech are hated by those who fear the Lord (Prov.8:13). Wisdom provides the basis for the successful reign of kings – Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments (Prov.8:16). Such wisdom will not come naturally. We must search for it and value it (c.f. Prov.8:17-18). This is so, because – 19 My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold. My wages better than sterling silver! … 21 Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries. (Prov.8:19 & 21). Wisdom’s gifts are better because they are right, and more enduring than all the temporal blessings for which people yearn. (Prov.8:21 c.f. Mt.6:19-21).