Proverbs, chapter 8
Wisdom invites all, including the world's rulers, to search for her. She is described as being present with God at the beginning of creation, so she symbolizes God's creative power. She also expresses the core of God's truth. The guests who come to Wisdom's feast will live (9.6,11), but those who become the guests of Stupidity are as good as dead (9.18).
In Praise of Wisdom
ith great understanding, Wisdom is calling out
2as she stands at the crossroads and on every hill.
3She stands by the city gate
where everyone enters the city, and she shouts:
4“I am calling out to each one of you!
5Good sense and sound judgment can be yours.
6Listen, because what I say is worthwhile and right.
7I always speak the truth and refuse to tell a lie.
8Every word I speak is honest,
not one is misleading or deceptive.
9“If you have understanding,
you will see that my words are just what you need.
10 Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you
than silver or the finest gold.
11Wisdom is worth much more than precious jewels
or anything else you desire.”
Wisdom is worth much more than precious jewels or anything else you desire.
— Prov 8.11
Wisdom Speaks
12I am Wisdom—Common Sense is my closest friend;
I possess knowledge and sound judgment.
13If you respect the Lord, you will hate evil.
I hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies.
14I am strong,
and I offer sensible advice and sound judgment.
15By my power kings govern,
and rulers make laws that are fair.
16Every honest leader rules with help from me.
17I love everyone who loves me,
and I will be found by all who honestly search.
18I can make you rich and famous,
important and successful.
19 What you receive from me is more valuable
than even the finest gold or the purest silver.
20I always do what is right,
21and I give great riches to everyone who loves me.
22From the beginning, I was with the Lord.
I was there before he began 23to create the earth.
At the very first, the Lord gave life to me.
24When I was born,
there were no oceans or springs of water.
25My birth was before mountains were formed
or hills were put in place.
26It happened long before God had made the earth
or any of its fields or even the dust.
27I was there when the Lord put the heavens in place
and stretched the sky over the surface of the sea.
28I was with him when he placed the clouds in the sky
and created the springs that fill the ocean.
29I was there when he set boundaries for the sea
to make it obey him,
and when he laid foundations to support the earth.
30I was right beside the Lord,
helping him plan and build.
I made him happy each day, and I was happy at his side.
31I was pleased with his world and pleased with its people.
32Pay attention, my children!
Follow my advice, and you will be happy.
33Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise.
34Come to my home each day and listen to me.
You will find happiness.
35By finding me, you find life,
and the Lord will be pleased with you.
36But if you don't find me, you hurt only yourself,
and if you hate me, you are in love with death.