Proverbs Study – Lesson 7
Read Prov. 8:1-11
Solomon begins chapter 8 by reminding us that wisdom is right where we live. As seen in chapter 1, Solomon tells us that wisdom is found in the common places, right where we live and travel. We can see it if we are looking for it. James again tells us in James chapter 1 that God will show us the answers to life if we ask. Sometimes we may have to work or seek the answers out for them to be made known to us, but Solomon and James would tell us that they are there.
He begins the chapter telling us that Wisdom is not hidden at all. It is actually crying out to make itself know to us. V. 1-4 tells us that it stands in prominent places crying out just waiting to be used. V. 4 tells us that this voice of wisdom is directed to men or the sons of men. This wisdom was created especially for man to use and apply. It was not given to other parts of God’s creation. This gives the thought that man is given the position of prominence using wisdom as a tool to do great things. Wisdom would say to do great things for God. Along with this special prominence would also come the responsibility that went with the position.
In v. 6 he tells us that wisdom is asking us to hear for our benefit. He is offering us excellent things that will cost us nothing but time and some effort to apply. He tells us in v. 6-8 that the mouth of wisdom will never steer us wrong. It will not tell us to do the wrong thing. As a matter of fact, it says that true wisdom cannot even speak the wrong thing. It says that it is an abomination for wisdom to speak of wicked devises. A good thing to remember, if treachery or deception is involved in a plan that wisdom is not part of that plan and you should think twice about applying it. V. 8
V. 9 tells us that those who are looking for wisdom will have no problem understanding it. It will make sense to them.
V. 10-1 tells us to make the sacrifice. If you had a choice between winning the lottery and getting wisdom for life which would you choose? If you were offered silver or precious stones or wisdom which would you choose? Solomon would have no problem making the choice. He would say that in the long run ‘Wisdom would pay a bigger dividend’.
In v. 12 Solomon tells us that wisdom dwells with prudence giving the impression that prudence is one of the foundational pillars of wisdom. Prudence has the meaning of wisdom in the management of the affairs of life. The application of prudence in a particular situation would prompt us to attend to things quickly when that is what is needed. However, in another situation prudence would prompt us to wait, moving slowly through the process because in that situation it was the right thing to do.
Prudence is listed as one of the seven pillar virtues as adopted by the early church fathers. The list of the seven virtues as adopted by the church is actually two lists of virtues, the first known as the cardinal virtues and the second known as the theological virtues. The cardinal virtues are:
· Prudence
· Justice
· Temperance
· And, Courage
The Theological virtues are:
· Faith
· Hope
· And, Love or charity
Prudence can be defined as:
· the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason (or wisdom)
· shrewdness or wisdom in the management of one’s affairs
· skill and good judgment in the use of resources
· caution or circumspection as to danger or risk.
· caution in regard to practical matters
· discretion
· correct timing in the application of an action to achieve the necessary outcome
Prudence can be applied to finances, speech, relationships, time management and all other aspects of life. Prudence can and should temper every decision we make in life. Good ideas and actions really do not hit the mark without the application of prudence. It says that wisdom lives with prudence meaning that they are intimately and directly related. You cannot have one without the other.
Solomon also says in v. 12 that wisdom finds out knowledge by witty devises or inventions. Knowledge has a location that is not always easy to find. Prior to the internet knowledge was sometimes impossible to locate. Wisdom may be found in common places, but knowledge may need to be sought out. Wisdom knows the address to knowledge, the secret path so to speak, where knowledge is located. Wisdom has the ability to find it out. The path to knowledge may have many obstacles and curves making it hard to locate. Wisdom knows the direction and will show us the way to knowledge and understanding. This is why wisdom should be one of the key ingredients in the package of education. As we talked about in an earlier study, in our current culture it seems that knowledge comes in a package all by itself. Knowledge by itself is potentially dangerous. Wisdom knows where to find knowledge and more important how to apply it properly. Having God develop this trait of wisdom in you will help you to find out things in life that you normally might not figure out or understand. Wisdom will help you make ends meet and connect all the dots arriving at your needed destination.
V.13 says that when we begin to understand the ‘fear of the Lord’ we begin to adopt the Lord’s perspective on this world system and how it operates. Solomon here, speaking for God by inspiration of the Holy Spirit uses a pretty strong word. He uses the word hate. He says the God hates things like evil, pride, arrogance, the evil way or the habitual practice of evil deeds and the perverse mouth. Jn. 3:19-21makes this passage in Proverbs clearer. It says in John 3:19 that men loved darkness rather than light. Earlier in the book of John, the 1st chapter, John refers to Christ as the Light that came into darkness, i.e. the darkness of this world. It says in Jn. 3:20 that everyone that lives in communion with evil and evil ways hates the light of God and God’s ways and disagrees with how God sees things. They would rather live in darkness than to come into the light of God’s ways. But, when we begin to know the fear of the Lord, reverencing Him for who He is and for being much wiser than us we begin to realize how wise He is and begin to ‘See it His way’. We begin to understand God.
The problem with this verse is that sometimes those who claim to be Christians transfer that ‘hate’ to those who live in darkness. Maybe not literally at first, but we can begin to think this. But, this verse says that God hates these sins. In jn. 3:18 it tells us that those who live in darkness already stand condemned. We don’t need to condemn them. But, in the verse just before that, Jn. 3:17, it tells us that God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. By coming, He had compassion on those ‘in darkness’. However, His coming did not change God’s disdain for their actions. He still does ‘hate’ those things listed in v. 13. The fear of the Lord, however, says that when we begin to actually reverence God we also begin to strongly ‘hate’ those sins listed in Prov. 8:13…even if they be found in us…
Read 8:14-7 Have you ever had a conversation with yourself. V. 14 tells us that wisdom often has a private discussion with us as we ponder or muse the things and affairs of life. We live in a fast paced world and want quick answers. This verse reminds us that Wisdom can be our councilor if we take the time to let it. Much of life is worked out here, in council with ourselves, hopefully with God and wisdom present. God, the essence of Wisdom, is called ‘our Councilor’ in Jn. 14:26 NIV. It is good to consult with Him regularly about the affairs of life. Wisdom will show us the way and give us the answers.
In v. 14 it also says that wisdom is understanding. Full understanding of a situation or mystery is important in life. If you think of it, we often think that we know a particular situation only to find out that there is more to the story. Wisdom will say, ‘Wait’, maybe there is more to this than I am aware of. Our busy schedule will tell us to rush on making decisions with limited understanding. Wisdom will tell us to stop and take a little more time to get the full picture. It could be important.
It also says in v. 14 wisdom is ‘strength’. In much of life we get pushed around by others who intimidate us. They speak with confidence saying things that may not be true at all. Wisdom gives us an inner strength that will stand strong when confronted by untruths. Having a wise heart can help us to discern things as they happen, helping us to not be easily intimidated because we stand on the truth. Having a wise spirit can help us judge a situation seeing things and having insights that cannot be known by intellect alone.
V. 15-6 Remind us that wisdom is essential for those who rule. Some rulers have more wisdom than others it is true. But, even the worst leader or ruler has to at least have some wisdom to be in a leadership position. The more wisdom the better the leader Solomon would say. It reminds us that if we want a strong nation and all the benefits that Solomon tells us that wisdom gives we need to elect wise leaders. Our present justice system, not the system itself so to speak, but those in these positions could stand a good examination.
V. 17 tells us that those who love wisdom and hang out with it are loved back by wisdom. Befriending wisdom will have the result of wisdom befriending us. Our life is greatly benefited by a friendship with wisdom. This verse also tells us that we need to seek wisdom out early before things get messy. Wisdom is found in the prudence of applying wisdom right from the gate.
Read 8:18-21 V. 19-20 remind us of the real value of wisdom and the path followed by wisdom will have a just end. V. 18 tells us that both riches and honor are a benefit in the application of wisdom. Honor and righteousness are both valuable commodities and bring their own benefits with them. Honor and righteousness open doors of great value. People respect these attributes of wisdom and trust us more in relationship and reputation allowing us special privileges with them and benefits not otherwise offered to others.
But, Solomon also makes the point in v.18 and 21 that there is a real financial benefit to the application of wisdom. We for some reason we tend to push this point aside as if it is unspiritual and a wrong perspective. Solomon makes a point of it as one of the benefits of wisdom and we would do well to embrace this benefit. Embracing the concept of wisdom having a substative value does not mean we love substance. Many because of unwise practices in life are destitute unable to make life work.
Solomon would agree that good habits have real life value, but bad habits or no habits devalue our existence. Because prudence is not applied to areas of life, not just in the areas of finances, substance seems to slip away and life costs more to make it work. The application of wisdom to daily things like our car, what time we start work, organization, better choices, time investment, and yes leisure can have big financial impacts, either positive or negative. He, Solomon, knows and says that if wisdom is applied that we will inherit substance and have money in the bank. He says this to us. Are we listening?
We all know that someone can have a moderate income but apply wisdom and frugality and have more than they need. Others not applying wisdom can’t make enough money even though they have a great income. They are always in a bind because wisdom is not a habit of their life. These people often believe that making more money is the answer to their problem. Wisdom would help us make better choices in all areas of our life, not just financial, making a real benefit in our bottom line.
Read Prov. 8:22-36 Solomon begins this section by declaring some pretty amazing foundational truths about wisdom. He says that this same wisdom that he is sharing and trying to impart to us had its beginning with God. God was the possessor of this wisdom in the beginning, before His created works began. V. 23-6 tells us that wisdom was His before anything that was created was. V. 24 refers to the foundational elements of creation, water being the one of the main components. It says that Wisdom was His before the basic elements of earth were founded. V. 25-6
In v. 27-8 it says that this wisdom that he talks about was there with God when He formed the universe and the earth’s atmosphere. By this wisdom He set the compass of the earth, and… it worked…It worked just right because of wisdom. I personally wonder if the compass that Solomon is referring to refers to the force that holds the universe together, including gravity and all the other things that allow these things to consist. V. 28 says that wisdom was used to establish the clouds and was applied to strengthen and sure up the foundation of the earth. It was also applied when He gave instructions to the sea as to its boundaries. In making this real He gave properties by wisdom to water which makes water obey His command. Wisdom was used to make water what it is, making its properties different that air or solid matter.
V. 30 says that God and wisdom are intimately connected, wisdom never being absent from the presence of God. It says that God enjoyed wisdom…immensely. It was a great pleasure to Him. It also says in v. 31 that He actually rejoiced in His finished work of creation and it also says that His delight was with His special part of creation…man. By wisdom He delighted in us. Hard to believe knowing all the grief that we cause Him.
After all this amazing commentary on wisdom, Solomon’s conversation comes back to the voice of a loving father, asking his children to process and apply what he just said. He says that he said all this so that his children can have the blessing and benefit of this wisdom applied. Ponder what Solomon has just told us. He is telling us that we too will benefit as if we were actually sitting under his tutelage if we to apply his message. V. 34 reminds us that the application of wisdom is to be a daily habit and something that we should be anxious to be acquire every day. Every day there is new wisdom to be acquired, new wisdom to be learned. It invades every part of life if we let it.
V.35 reminds us that wisdom is life itself, and that God finds joy and pleasure in those who also love wisdom. Oh, yea, those who apply wisdom obtain favor and blessing with God, it says so right here.
v.36 leaves us with the reminder that sinning against God is not wise, and has its own penalties and consequences. All the benefits of wisdom that Solomon just gave us have the opposite effect in our life when we go against them. Solomon refers to it as sin. He ends this chapter by saying that those who do not apply wisdom to their life will see the effects of death in their life. The effects of death can be a slow process or quickly realized. One thing is for sure the application of wisdom has great benefits to our life when applied. Solomon would say seek wisdom and apply it no matter what it initially costs you. Your investment will be worth it.
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