1 Doth
not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
There is no excuse! Wisdom
is constantly calling us to herself and putting forth her desire for us to take
hold. You see this in the things you
know to be true. Most of the things we
know to be true are true no matter what.
Wisdom and understanding are on the scene but sometimes so obvious we
hardly recognize them or worse yet we ignore them.
Take for instance, driving down the road in excess of the posted
speed limit. Conventional wisdom says if
you don’t get caught, no problem. It
would seem to be true as long as you make it to your
destination safely. There are other things to consider
however. Look at the gas mileage, you
burn more gas going faster and you probably accelerate harder to get up to
speed after twitching at the stoplights.
Most of the time you cant maintain too high of
a speed because of traffic. Besides
this, you only gain seconds and not the half hour you are late for an
appointment. Now consider the tremendous
stress of having to look in every direction for the police in order to somehow
avoid capture. You might be wondering
where that crick in your neck came from, well, thrashing your head from side to
side, looking over your shoulder, cocking your head so you can see as far as
possible in the rear view mirror might just be the source of the problem. If you are running late, call ahead and tell
them. Tell the truth! Put on some good music. Wear your seatbelt. Sit back and drive like one with Wisdom.
2 She standeth
in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
She can see everything and everyone. The word “top” in the Hebrew means summit or
upper part and the word “places” means highest elevation of a particular place. In
other words, She is always in the position of having a
vantage point of all that is going on.
“By the way” refers to our path in life, although we may tend to think
it is always varying, the use here in the Hebrew indicates it is quite
narrow. The second use of “places” means
dwelling or shelter and the word “path” is just that, a path that is heavily
trodden or often used. She is saying to
us here, no matter who we are or where we are, She is
there calling us to Her.
3 She crieth at
the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
In today’s terms, this would be similar to
Her being on the front page of the newspaper.
The gate of the city, in that day and age, is the place where news and
insights were shared. Messengers were
sent to other cities to share the news of their hometown and to gather news
from the towns they visited.
4 Unto
you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
I would hope that there is an uneasiness in you to come to
Wisdom. It is clearly stated here that she
is calling you to come to her and her fruits are those of kings. There is only the acceptance of the offer
that needs to be dealt with.
5 O
ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
This is simple. Even the
fools have access to Wisdom. The simple
can become wise and this does not necessarily mean they become
sophisticated. I recall, as a young man,
times that were tough and bills that were hard to pay and the things I
possessed were of a simple nature. Those
times were sweet and empty of insidious plots and schemes.
6 Hear;
for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right
things.
As we rely on Wisdom, the direction She gives is excellent and the
ability to understand Her is clear that unquestionable. There is little these days that is
unquestionable. Learning to listen to
Wisdom is sometimes difficult. We have a tendency to form our perspective based on our
experiences and observations. Our
reasoning, before Wisdom, was flawed. We
must acknowledge this fact in order to move to the next phase of really
understanding the supernatural power of Wisdom.
7 For
my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
Wisdom is truth and allows us to see truth and along with that,
the ability to speak truth without wickedness.
Sometimes speaking truth is keeping our mouth shut in order to not speak
something other than truth.
8 All
the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or
perverse in them.
Consider for a moment, having the ability to speak from within
you, how you really feel, and on top of that, it would always consist of
Wisdom’s depth? With a sure grasp of
Wisdom, you are not only equipped for what you are going to face but also the insight
into many other areas. It is like being
supernaturally “well-rounded.”
9 They
are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to
them that find knowledge.
The words of Wisdom are excellent, right, truth, righteous, and
plain. Plain is a bigger thing than you
might give it here if you just breeze through this verse, however, stay here a
moment. There is something important
here. The “him that understandeth” is those of us with Wisdom and “They”
refers to the words of Wisdom. So then this is an assurance of Wisdom to those who seek Her
as instructed. Just to erase any notion
that Wisdom is an Old Testament philosophy look here in James 1:5 “If any of
you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without
finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (NIV) This is the prize of
inviting Wisdom into your life.
Possessing the ability to understand and having knowledge is at the root
of a man of character and they rest at the doorstep of a woman’s soul.
10 Receive
my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
Ok, so someone comes up to you and offers you a huge chunk of
silver or gold. Would you take it? I would have to consider for a moment, where
did it come from? Why are you giving it
to me? What do you want me to do? We all know gold is a precious and valuable
commodity. We sometimes get caught up in
working to have more gold and commodities when we should be working harder to
become wise.
It would be safe to say that it would not take supernatural
intervention to make someone rich with silver or gold. Many today that have monetary riches. With Wisdom’s instruction and knowledge it may be apparent that those holdings have little
meaning in the bigger picture. It is not
wrong to crave in our hearts that our sons and daughters have a good life. It is wrong to rob them of the ability to
pursue it righteously.
11 For
wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to
be compared to it.
** W A R N I N G ** Don’t “compare” the actual things, this means
compare the desires of your heart. Test
them! What do we want most? If you do not know or you cannot tell, you
need to have a look inside. I would
suggest doing this; make a list of all the things you have then list the things
you want. For instance; house, car, job,
golf clubs, etc. Then list the things
you want, a better job, bigger home, more cars, golf clubs that hit the ball
straighter, etc. Once you have the list
(make the list pretty comprehensive) look on there and
decide which on either list is most important.
Ask yourself, “Is this more important than Wisdom?” You might find yourself answering, “without
Wisdom, this item is worthless” or “without Wisdom, there is no way to make
this better.”
12 I
wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of
witty inventions.
Wisdom states here She “dwells with prudence.” First and foremost, the word “dwell” is
significant. In the Hebrew this word
means abide or take up lodging. As we
will see later in this chapter (vs. 23), She states Her existence is from the
everlasting. She is a part of God
Himself, else She could not dwell and call out to the sons of man. (Vs. 4) Consider that for a
moment. She actually
dwells. Now for some time I
thought to myself and was taught that this dwelling would be consistent with
knowing math, science or geography or having some other specific
knowledge. Even though when having Wisdom we might have a better understanding of those
subjects, this is not Wisdom’s main purpose.
God takes this majestic Princess and puts Her in us so that as we walk
in Wisdom, she is there to allow us to have ready access to all Her fruits. She
brings to mind the right questions to ask and helps
reveal the “witty inventions.”
Without Wisdom it is impossible to know the mind of the LORD and
there is no true knowledge of God’s will in our lives.
The word “prudence” in this verse is with respect to our complete
and total commitment to seek Her and listen.
The word literally means subtle, shrewd or crafty. Wisdom will know our hearts and discern our
earnestness. This is a form of warning
to us that we not think we can in some crafty way fool Wisdom into giving us
Her fruit when our intentions are not noble.
We have to shift our mode of thinking completely. We have to move from
“hiding from the pain of being caught” to “learning from the
chastening of the LORD.”
Wisdom is not simply
knowing the proclamations of generations past or understanding their
experiences and abiding by them. That
would leave us with nothing but ability to have a life, which could be no
better than what had been had in times past if we were to adhere to them
explicitly. No, God expresses His Grace
through granting to us the newness of life with the guidance from not only His
Word and The Holy Spirit but with the guidance of Wisdom. What I believe is this; along with the Holy
Spirit and the instructions of His Word, Wisdom is the third and final
component of the living Trinity in a Christian fully equipped for today. It is clearly depicted here as something to
be regarded highly. Is there another
book or chapter devoted to anything so life changing in scripture? Consider this as you read Proverbs each day
as I recommended earlier, this Wisdom is not the kind of insight you might
receive by watching the news channel nor is it the same kind you will find at
the latest “self-help” seminar either.
No, this Wisdom is Supernatural.
See, news happens, events take place, but Wisdom sets us on a path of
life changing experiences and the fullness of new life.
13 The
fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the
evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
There are thirty places in the Bible where the phrase “fear of the
LORD” is used. This is the only place
where it specifically says what the fear of the LORD involves. Here is the list;
a.
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil
b.
The fear of the LORD is to hate pride
c.
The fear of the LORD is to hate arrogance
d.
The fear of the LORD is to hate the evil way
e.
The fear of the LORD is to hate the froward mouth
Look at each one of these specifically. This list is very comprehensive if we look at
each of the items closely. The Hebrew
word for “evil” is also translated as wickedness, mischief, affliction, adversity
and grievous. The word “pride” in the
Hebrew has to do with the desire of being exalted above everyone and
everything. As I have said before, there
is nothing wrong with thinking highly of ourselves as long as
we are humble enough to recognize the source of our success. Pride tends to be exhibited in the form of
“arrogance” when we think we are the sole source of our success. Pride and arrogance are the bread and butter
of a wayward life and combined they lead to a soul full of independence. One with Wisdom should have a fear of this
kind of independence. The “evil way” has
to do with the path one might find themselves on where there is only
contemplation of doing harm or unjustly finding substance. This also is talking about the “evil way” as
being a habit or “course of life” in that the moral character is shunted with
evil.
The word “froward” means being perverse. Here is the dictionary definition of
perverse: adj. 1: marked by a disposition
to oppose and contradict; 2: resistant to guidance or discipline; "an
obstinate child with a violent temper"; "a perverse mood";
"wayward behavior" [synonym: contrary, obstinate, wayward] 3: marked
by immorality; deviating from what is considered right or proper or good;
"depraved criminals"; "a perverted sense of loyalty";
"the reprobate conduct of a gambling aristocrat" [synonym: depraved,
immoral, perverted, reprobate][1]
As you can see, being froward is something to be hated.
Who is it referring to here, “do I hate?” The answer is Wisdom, of course and if Wisdom
is dwelling in us then we hate these things too. The first action taken when we hate something
is to rid it from ourselves. At least
this is the action taken by one finding in them truly detestable things. Just know that Wisdom will not dwell with a
person having pride, arrogance and evil ways.
14 Counsel
is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
Counsel is the key ingredient to having peace and assurance. Pr. 13:10 "Only
by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." One with Wisdom will often seek counsel from
others who possess Wisdom. Pr 12:20
"Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine
evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy."
When you have been given insight from a divine authority you can be
confident in your endeavors. This
confidence is not the kind that develops into pride. Having sound Wisdom and understanding in us
renders an incredible version of strength that grows more vibrant with age and
execution.
15 By
me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
I wonder for a moment if you realize the Scripture just said,
“even all the judges of the earth.” That
would mean all the judges, every single one of them on the face of the
earth. Look at Romans 13:1 "Every
person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For
there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by
God. 2Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of
God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3For
rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to
have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you
will have praise from the same; 4for it is a minister of God to you
for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword
for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the
one who practices evil. 5Therefore it is necessary to be in
subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.”
(NAS)
17 I
love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
This is pretty clear as to when we should
seek Her. I think that since She being of the LORD that She wants first place in our
lives. I have heard many a preacher talk about “Daily Devotions” and there are a million methods
but the key was always having them in the morning. This is that “chapter and verse” for why we
should seek Him in the morning.
18 Riches
and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and
righteousness.
These riches are the lasting ones and the ones that have an
enriching effect. Compared to the ones
in Proverbs 23:5 “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon
that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly
away as an eagle toward heaven.”
19 My
fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice
silver.
I personally have read this verse a hundred times and thought to
myself, “give me a couple of pounds of each and I would do just fine.” But in the long run as stated in the previous
verse, it would take wings and fly away.
Now Wisdom on the other hand has the ability to
be eternal. After all, She is from eternity past.
She endows us with the ability to possess eternal knowledge, that
knowledge used properly renders supernatural splendors.
Here is a
list of the fruit of Wisdom:
This is not an exhaustive list but as you can see the list of
benefits is extensive. Some of the
fruits may not seem at first to be fruit at all but instead more like
rutabagas. Most of us would not set out
to pick a bushel of chastening or correction but remember, a balanced diet is
very important.
20 I
lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the
paths of judgment:
Many of us have been to seminars or read books and articles on how
to become a good leader. Following a
good leader is seemingly easy when the leadership is sound and of good
character. Here Wisdom is the
leader. A leader is out front leading the
charge and in this case Wisdom is leading the way to
righteousness. Keep in mind that it
would be impossible for us to find righteousness on our own.
21 That
I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their
treasures.
Hang on here for a second.
Did I read that right? She wants
us to inherit substance? And she will fill our treasures? Even while I am writing this, the thought is
awesome and so simple. Now of course She
is not saying close your eyes and when you open them you will have enormous
wealth. Consider this for a moment. You will only receive the blessing of
substance in the amount of that which you can withstand. What I mean is this, you will not be given
something that will pull you away from the LORD. That’s final.
Earlier we discussed chastening in order to learn and abide in Him. As we are brought closer to the LORD we will most certainly enjoy the treasures of His
Kingdom.
22 The
LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
It would appear, based on this statement, Wisdom was one of the
LORD’s first creations. As we will see, She has been witness to all that has been created from
eternity past. That alone means Wisdom
having seen all that is in existence, knows the purpose of those things. She also knows how it all works and is knit
together.
23 I
was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
“In the beginning” Wisdom was already there! Watching!
24 When
there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains
abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled,
before the hills was I brought forth: 26 While
as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the
dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was
there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28 When
he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the
deep: 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters
should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the
earth:
I left these verses together because I think if you read them it
is clear that She is describing Her origin, Her
witnessing of the beginning. Another
interesting point of observation here, the way Wisdom is describing how the
“heavens and the earth” were formed is certainly more depictive of a process as
opposed to sudden existence. In Genesis,
creation was depicted as a rather sudden event, from the perspective of Wisdom
however, every detail was in clear view.
Take for instance a car accident; from the person standing on the corner
watching, the accident suddenly occurred.
However, from the perspective of the person who lost control and slid
for an eternity into the car in front of them, it was a much slower event.
30 Then
I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing always before him;
You would never be able to understand the perspective of Wisdom
here unless you were inclined to dig into the word usages in this text. For instance, the word “up” in this verse actually means architect, master workman or skilled
workman. This is saying that Wisdom
literally had a hand in the creation.
31 Rejoicing
in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
Wisdom habitats with the sons of men, that’s us! Notice, however, earlier in the book, we are
commanded to ask for Wisdom. She has
been here from the beginning of time.
That fascinates me. Wisdom has
seen and witnessed all that is around us during the creation of the realm we
know. Else how would Wisdom have the
authority to convene with those inhabitants?
She would have to have been there when it all came to be.
This sounds just like Christ.
32 Now
therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my
ways.
This is basically saying, “now” that you know my position in the
presence of God and the authority in which I speak, LISTEN!
33 Hear
instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
Sometimes it is tough to be corrected or told how to do
things. Wisdom offers divine guidance but we have to humble ourselves many times in order
to put Wisdom into practice. The word
“wise” has the literal meaning but also is from a Hebrew word meaning “to
teach” as well. Wisdom in action is not
only following Wisdom but it is also teaching.
34 Blessed
is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of
my doors.
There is nothing wrong with looking for and expecting Wisdom to
plant Her insights deeply in our desires.
Notice here we are to be waiting outside “the post” of Her doors. We have witnessed this when we watch the news
on TV and the reporters are congregated at the exit of a building waiting for
the subject of their story. When the
person comes out there are millions of questions and comments thrown at the
person. They have watched at the gates
with anticipation like we should cling to the hope of having Wisdom.
35 For
whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of
the LORD.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “get a life?” This is the best life you can find. A life full of Wisdom means we have insight
and knowledge. Knowing the result of
things before they happen. Being lead by divine intelligence and Wisdom makes our lives
fuller and more meaningful in the most fulfilling way.
“Obtaining the favor of the LORD” may be the most rewarding aspect
of having Wisdom. That means being His
delight. Having the favor of the LORD is
paramount in life, look at all these verses in Proverbs alone: Pr 10:32 "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable:
but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness."
Pr 11:1 "A false balance is abomination to the
LORD: but a just weight is his delight." Pr 11:20 "They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD:
but such as are upright in their way are his delight."
Pr 11:27 "He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh
mischief, it shall come unto him." Pr 12:2 "A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will
he condemn." Pr 12:22 "Lying
lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight."
Pr 14:9 "Fools make a mock at sin: but among
the righteous there is favour."
Pr 15:8 "The sacrifice of the wicked is an
abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight."
If you are a child of God you
automatically inherit the ability to have this “favor.” There are no Christians without this
blessing. Many of us are not aware of
the blessing and certainly if we are not aware of it cannot experience the
fruit of a life so fulfilling. First we need to know that the gift exists. Then we need to understand the gift, and only
then will we experience the blessing of having the gift. What Wisdom is promising here is the fullness
of the favor through Her guidance.
36 But
he that sinneth against me wrongeth
his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
My hope is that by virtue of the fact that
you are reading this you will not find yourself on the wrong side of this
verse. Beg for Wisdom and begin anew to
pursue Her with passion.