Wisdom Lesson 10a ~ Wisdom’s Identity
Reflective Reading: Proverbs 8
Wisdom Lesson 10 is an outlier, appearing to have no connection to our previous lessons in chapters 1-7. But, as always, it is perfectly woven by divine design. This lesson from Proverbs 8 directly follows the sexual warnings of chapters 5, 6, and 7. If you have been reading these articles or listening to the podcast then you know that the last three lessons have been emotionally draining. We’ve seen Folly’s entrapments and enticements as she beguiles the unsuspecting simple and the foolish youth. Through her flattering lips, beguiling beauty, and enticing touch, Folly has caused men to be emasculated and left as impotent youth, never attaining the strength and glory of manly valor.
Wisdom Lesson 10 clears the air, so to speak. After warning about the darkness of immorality and sin, Wisdom now breaks forth like the sun on a cloudy day. This lesson gives the son a glimpse of the glory that could be his if he is willing to turn away from Folly and embrace Wisdom.
Without delay and in typical Wisdom style, she calls to the sons of Adam. She takes her place where she can be clearly seen. As she enters the city, she wastes no time in confronting the leaders of the day. Among the sons of Adam, Wisdom chooses two individuals to encounter—the Simple and the Fool. With strong and straightforward speech, she says:
Oh ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of a discerning heart.
In chapter one, the Simple, the Fools, and the Mockers are commanded to turn at Wisdom’s reproof. Sadly, after nine lessons, they have not yet turned, and the invitation to do so is about to expire. Here in chapter 8 the Mockers are not even on the guest list. It is too late for them. The invitation to turn has ended. This is reminiscent of Psalm 95, Hebrews 3:15, and Hebrews 4:7.
Today if you will hear his voice, do not harden your heart as in the days of the rebellion.
It is always about listening to God’s voice, his Word. Again, Wisdom means what she says and says what she means. Everyone is given an opportunity to turn. To delay is to bring eternal loss. In the NT Jesus said:
Every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man...
We will discover in our final Wisdom lesson that the Fools are next to lose the open window to eternal life. Then, at the close of chapter 9, the Simple will be given one last opportunity to turn. It will not be easy for the Simple to become wise since they’ve spent so much of their time and lives with Folly. What then could compel them to forsake their ways and turn to Wisdom? What she says next, should be reason enough:
Hear/obey, for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips are 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 who has discernment, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my correction, 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.
Wisdom doesn’t waste words on frivolous talk. She speaks only of excellent things—the most important subject matter in the universe. That is why she says that there is not anything that you can desire that can be compared to her—anything! Therefore, Wisdom is the chief all of pursuits. But what is Wisdom? Or, better, who is Wisdom? I’m glad you asked. Wisdom is about to reveal who she is, but she first has an important announcement:
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
For the first time thus far, Wisdom defines the fear of the LORD. We learned in chapter one that the fear of the LORD was the beginning of knowledge. But what does it mean to fear the LORD? Wisdom makes it clear—the fear of the LORD is to hate evil. Ultimately, the fear of the LORD is to hate what God hates and love what God loves. The reason that Wisdom makes this statement about the fear of the LORD is because it lays the foundation for all future successes and rewards. Therefore, she says to the sons of Adam,
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
If the rewards for seeking Wisdom and living in the fear of the LORD are incomparable, then why do we waste time with so much nonsense, especially as we train our children? Teach a child how to fear the LORD and seek Wisdom as their highest goal and you have prepared a child to reach the highest and most honorable pursuits and achievements in life.
Next week we will dive deeper into Proverbs 8 and discover more about her identity and role in creation. (Prepare to have your mind blown!)
As always, thank you for reading,
Dr. Mark Hamby
Seek Wisdom more than hidden treasure with your very own Lamplighter Book or audio drama! See our top picks on wisdom, direction, and discernment below.
· Sanjii's Seed, Illustrated (Ages 4-9)
· Palace of Deceit (Ages 9 and Up)
· Jack the Conqueror, Audiobook (Ages 6 and up)
· Crew of the Dolphin (Ages 9 and up)
