Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8:1-11

“Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth 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 understandeth, 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.” (Proverbs 8:1-11)

Because true wisdom cannot be separated from God, it is possible to see the Lord Jesus Christ throughout these two chapters that concern wisdom.

Many times the writers of the Old Testament wrote under such an anointing that they spoke of things far beyond their knowledge. They were under the unction of the Holy Spirit. They described and prophesied things which I am sure were beyond their own understanding. They were the true oracles of God.

Wisdom cries out to be heard and accepted. She is in the high places — the places of higher learning, the governments of the world, the palaces of kings. And she is in the pathways of common men. She is like the inner conscience, always seeking to get the attention of men so that she can spare man much grief, and help them to help others.

She is there when men enter the city, and at the doors of our houses. She says, “Unto you, O men, I call!” What a contrast from the harlot who stands also in the street and calls out to get the attention of men for a much different reason!

If man will heed the voice of wisdom he will never be seduced by the voice that tempts him to commit sin. Men will either follow the voice of the “bride” or the voice of the harlot.

Wisdom is available to all. Even fools are invited to have their share of wisdom. She says, “Listen, for I will speak of excellent things!” “Excellent things” means “noble, kingly things.”

The word for “excellent” in Hebrew is nagiyd (5057). Generally speaking, it is “the man at the top,” even the Messiah is called nagiyd in Daniel 9:25, …unto Messiah, the Prince [nagiyd].”

So wisdom speaks of Christ. The person who is wise will speak about Christ to others.

She is not afraid to open her mouth and to speak the truth. She speaks only words of truth, for dishonesty and unkind words are an abomination to her. All her words are righteous. There is nothing unclean, perverted, or deceitful about her. Wisdom is purity, and it is plainly understood by the one who has understanding. Wisdom is the need of the hour and is sought after by those who desire the knowledge of the Lord.

And because these words of wisdom come from the dealings of God in our lives they are more precious than rubies, and more to be desired than anything else. In fact, all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to wisdom and the words of the wise.

Gems of Wisdom by Gwen Shaw
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