PROVERBS 8:12-21
PROBERS 8:12-14 "I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. 13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength." According to verse 12 wisdom is both prudent and judicious. The word translated as witty inventions in this context has the sense of ‘discretion.’ My favorite verse in this section is verse thirteen. The fear of the LORD is part of wisdom. Wisdom hates evil, pride, arrogance, evil ways, and frowardness of mouth. If you are wise, you will not be proud. If you are wise, you will not be arrogant. If you are wise, you will hate evil ways. If you are wise, you will abhor a disrespectful and perverse mouth. Wisdom embraces advice (counsel is mine), wisdom also produces strength for living life in the best ways possible.
8:15-16, "By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth." Wisdom enables those in places of high rank to lead effectively. Would to God we would see government officials of our day leading with wisdom.
Proverbs 8:17 "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." The personality speaking clearly is that of wisdom personified. The thought is how those who love and seek after wisdom shall find it. James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who seek it.
8:18-19 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. 19My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver."
A wonderful thing about godly wisdom is that it eventually brings true prosperity and honor. Moreover, the wealth produced by wisdom (though not necessarily monetary in nature) is enduring and it is right. Wisdom will produce true and long-lasting prosperity that is grounded in that which is right. Verse 19 - The wealth of wisdom is better than vast amounts of money. For with godly wisdom come peace, tranquility, and genuine happiness. The wealth of the world is usually missing all of those.
8:20-21 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment. 21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures." Again, the virtually synonymous relationship between wisdom and righteousness is clear. The word translated “lead” in its most common sense means to ‘go’ or to ‘walk.’ Wisdom walks in the paths of righteousness and as is translated in the Bible, “leads therein”. Furthermore, wisdom leads in making right decisions. (The word translated as “judgment” in this setting basically means ‘right decisions.’)
Verse 21 - Again, the thought is that godly wisdom will, in the long run, produce material prosperity. Godly wisdom is practical and ultimately productive.
I hope you have a good day as you meditate upon the characteristics of godly wisdom.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Does your life, through your character, reflect that you have embraced godly wisdom? How so?
2. According to verse 13, how does the fear of the Lord manifest itself in one’s life? Based upon your answer would you say that you fear the Lord?
3. Do you seek God daily for wisdom? How has this practice helped you over time?
4. How will wisdom help you in making the right decisions? Is it more important for you to be right before God or man?