24.236 | DOES NOT WISDOM CALL? | Proverbs 8:1-11 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Proverbs 8:1-11 (ESV)

DOES NOT WISDOM CALL?

There are two rhetorical questions asked[v.1]. Thus, wisdom is not some far-off or unattainable thing. Rather, our daily life and experience should inspire us to seek wisdom, for we can find it and have some benefits. Wisdom is personified here as the woman who contrasts sharply with the prostitute (Prov 7:10), who went into the streets in search of the foolish young man to seduce. Where could we find wisdom? We can find her everywhere.[v.2,3]

2 On the heights beside the way,

at the crossroads she takes her stand;

3 beside the gates in front of the town,

at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud

Wisdom is pleading in a soliloquy [talking to oneself]

4 “To you, O men, I call,

and my cry is to the children of man.

Does not Jesus call all mankind to believe on him? He extends his call to everyone by saying, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Mat 11:28). Near His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus wept for Jerusalem, saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" (Mat 23:37). Even, the bible closes about the Spirit’s invitation, "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price" (Rev 22:17). The good news is for everyone who is everywhere. [John 3:16-18]

In contrast to the deception of the wicked woman, wisdom provides prudence and sense.

-Please read Proverbs 8:5-7

Scripture does not encourage blind, mindless belief in God, does it? Rather, it’s sensible and reasonable to follow what's clearly revealed by God in His creation (Psa 19:1, Rom 1:18–20) The most important aspect of prudence is when a person lives with high moral values. When a fool responds to Jesus' invitation to receive salvation, he obtains sense. Christianity enables saved sinners to see life clearly and live righteously.[1 Cor 2:14]

The forbidden woman is the embodiment of lies while wisdom is for truth.

8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;

there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.

9 They are all straight to him who understands,

and right to those who find knowledge.

Godly wisdom, in contrast, contains nothing that deviates from reality. As an expression of God's own perfection (v.22), true wisdom is never incorrect and never deceptive. Christ is the truth and wisdom for the believers. They are enlightened by the Holy Spirit so that they can clearly understand God's Word (1 Cor 2:14).

Between wisdom and riches, which is better? Solomon argues that wisdom is much better.

10 Take my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than choice gold,

11 for wisdom is better than jewels,

and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

This is illustrated by the story of a rich man who died and went to the place of suffering.(Luke 16:19–31). Paul also warns those who long to be rich that "we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world" (1 Tim 6:7). He explains that “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction" (1 Tim 6:9). Jesus even asks, "For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"[ Luke 9:25]

Let’s pause and ponder for a moment. Elvis Presley sang, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” While the voices of the world is strong everywhere, don’t neglect to listen to the call of wisdom. God is still speaking to us through His words. Have we paid our attention to the voice of God rather than to the world? Why are you doing what are you doing right now?