PROVERBS 8

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ISDOM’S

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CHAPTERS SIX AND SEVEN – CONTRAST!

Dramatic pictures of seduction and ruin. The foolish man allows himself to ignore wisdom and go

with his sinful and sensual impulses. He goes into the shadows to partake in adultery:

“Many are the victims she has brought down;    her slain are a mighty throng.

 Her house is a highway to the grave,    leading down to the chambers of death”.

CHAPTER EIGHT – GLORIOUS WISDOM!!

Word Picture: Wisdom is perched at the highest point “where the paths meet – at the gates leading into the city” (traditional place to consult with the city elders).

She is SHOUTING her appeal and her invitation is being broadcast!

“To you, O people, I call out;    I raise my voice to all mankind.You who are simple, gain prudence;    you who are foolish, set your hearts on it”!

BETTER THAN RICHES!

Most people think the answer to their problems is MORE MONEY.

“Wisdom” begs to differ. She says the answer is MORE WISDOM!

“Choose my instruction instead of silver,    knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies,    and nothing you desire can compare with her”.

VSS 12 – 21 – THE BEST MEN STEER BY WISDOMKings, Rulers, Princes, Nobles exercise their authority by wisdom

• They hate evil. They fear the LORD. They hate crooked speech, bad behavior, and arrogance

• “Counsel and sound judgment are mine;    I have insight, I have power.15 By me kings reign    and rulers issue decrees that are just;16 by me princes govern,    and nobles—all who rule on earth.”

17 

WISDOM DELIVERS AN EXCELLENT LIFESTYLE“With me are riches and honor,

    enduring wealth and prosperity.19 My fruit is better than fine gold;    what I yield surpasses choice silver.20 I walk in the way of righteousness,    along the paths of justice,21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me    and making their treasuries full.”

VSS. 22 – 31: CREATION IS LACED WITH WISDOM

The feminine figure of “Wisdom” is at God’s side infusing creation.

“Then I was constantly at his side.I was filled with delight day after day,    rejoicing always in his presence,31 rejoicing in his whole world    and delighting in mankind”

SHE MARKS THE WAY TO LIFE!

“For those who find me find life    and receive favor from the LORD.

 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;    all who hate me love death.”

The best things you will do with your life will proceed from WISDOM. They will be marked with The Big Three characteristics of:

PRUDENCE, KNOWLEDGE, and DISCRETION (v. 12)

JESUS CHRIST: THE DEPOSITORY OF WISDOM!“that their hearts may be encouraged, having

been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery,

that is, Christ Himself, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

Colossians 2: 2, 3

THE KEY TO SKILLFUL LIVING? THE WISDOM THAT COMES FROM KNOWING CHRIST!

Next Time: We will see how this wisdom is imparted in community (with one another), in communion (with God), and in commissioning (a life lived with goals and purpose).