Wisdom Lesson 10b ~ Creative Wisdom
Reflective Reading: Proverbs 8:22-36
Good morning and thank you for joining me for this morning’s reflection. I’m so excited for what we are about to discuss! This next section of Wisdom’s lesson comes, once again, without any connection to her previous thoughts—at least that is what it seems like on the surface. By Divine design, chapter 8 is a literary masterpiece. The first half of chapter 8 records Wisdom’s requirements to know and love her. The second half of chapter 8 records Wisdom’s creative activities that prove her love for mankind.
Strangely, Wisdom declares that she was the chief architect of all creation. You might be asking, “Wasn’t God the chief architect of all creation?” The Bible says God created the heavens and the earth.” And then to add to the confusion, the New Testament records that Jesus created the heavens and the earth (Col. 3). Since Jesus is God, then it is understandable that the Father and Son both created. But how then can Wisdom claim to be the chief architect of all creation? Let’s dig a little deeper.
In verses 22 and 23 we learn that Wisdom is eternal. Wisdom existed before time. What does that imply? Could Wisdom be God or is Wisdom a personification or character trait of God? While we are not ready to answer that question fully, in 1 Corinthians 1:24 we learn that Jesus is the power of God and…the Wisdom of God. If you are still confused, you are not alone. For centuries, theologians have been split on their view of Wisdom as God, a character trait of God, or the personification of God.
So how do we arrive at a clear understanding? Let’s let the text speak for itself. If the text doesn’t show infallible proof, then it is best to suspend judgment until further study. For now, let’s see what Wisdom has to say about herself:
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was, I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
Wisdom seems to have an extensive job description! She is a warrior, rewarder, lover, protector, guide, instructor, architect, craftsman, and corrector. She is all of this—and much more. And what she says next blows my mind:
Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
Wisdom’s claim is one of the most beautiful in all creation. First, the idea of rejoicing during creation is the Hebraic idea of having fun; of playful dancing and singing while creating. Picture the Godhead creating the heavens and the earth with such joy that they/God are playfully dancing while creating. If the plurality of God is confusing, keep in mind that God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,” Genesis 1:26. The word Elohim is a plural form for God. The Godhead is made up of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but where does Wisdom fit in? Wisdom as God only makes sense if understood in light of what the Apostle Paul taught in I Corinthians, that Jesus is the Wisdom of God. Keep in mind that many respected Theologians have not been in agreement on this issue.
What we can agree on is that during creation, Wisdom was creating with God, and in my view, as God, and was having the so much fun creating, that it was like dancing! This description changed my view of God! Our God is a God of great joy, incredible creativity, and yes, fun! Isn’t that the way it should be? When we create something, it should be a blast. As we become more like God, our creativity will soar, and life will be filled with excitement, excellence, and pure enjoyment.
And if that isn’t enough to process, let me show you the structure of what was written above—again, not just what it means, but how it means it. Wisdom explains that she was daily God’s delight. That’s just beautiful! Daily, continuously; in perfect harmony. Now, let’s take a look at the structure:
his delight,
rejoicing always before him;
rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth;
my delights were with the sons of Adam.
The first half of this structure shows Wisdom’s relationship with God; they are delighting and rejoicing with each other. The second half shows Wisdom’s relationship with mankind. The center of this structure shows Wisdom’s greatest joy—to take the delights of heaven and share them on earth with mankind. Do you see where this is leading? Is it possible that this is teaching how Jesus left his home in heaven with his Father and came to the earth to demonstrate His great love for mankind?
Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
God so loved His creation that He was willing to come to earth to dwell among them and become like them, so that He could share His joy, delight, and love with the sons of Adam forever!
As Wisdom brings this lesson to a close, she has something to say that can’t be missed:
Now therefore obey me, O ye sons: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Obey correction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that obeys me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso finds me finds life, and obtains favor of the LORD. But he that sins against me wrongs his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Wisdom ends Lesson 10 with two creative structures. The first is this:
Obey me
Blessed are they that keep my ways
Obey correction
Blessed is the man
Obeys me
The meaning is clear: if you want to be blessed, obey correction. The second structure is like the first, but with a powerful warning:
Finds me Finds life
Obtains favor of the LORD
Sins against me
Wrongs his own soul
Hate me Love death
In this second and concluding structure we have opposing ideas framed—life and death. In the beginning of the structure we learn that finding Wisdom is finding life. At the end of the structure we learn that to hate Wisdom is to love death. In the next section toward the center, we again have opposing ideas. First, we learn that finding Wisdom brings favor from the LORD. From the bottom up we learn that to hate Wisdom is to wrong one’s own soul. At the center we have the primary theme—“sins against me.” The pronoun “me” is purposefully ambiguous. We don’t know if the LORD is referred to or Wisdom. Could they be one and the same?
These beautiful structures teach and reaffirm two of the main themes of the Wisdom lessons. Obey Wisdom’s words and you will be blessed and obtain the favor of the LORD. Obey correction and you won’t sin against God. Once again, Wisdom’s teaching is plain and easy to understand. This is the foundation for parenting and education.
It just doesn’t get any better than this, except for what we will learn in the next lesson—the epic battle between Wisdom and Folly! Stay tuned…the next lesson is the battle of the ages!
Blessings,
Dr. Mark Hamby
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