The call of wisdom
Proverbs 8
THE space God allows for freedom of choice mysteriously defines and defies wisdom which looks like a bully…yet its respect for freedom makes it look like a gentle friend. Wisdom makes her presence obvious, her demands, along with the conditions and rewards for those who choose it and the long list of regrets to those who neglect it, clear.
The call of wisdom is a call to awareness and sacred spiritual awakening; meaning, take time to get to know it closely, deeper, know her with your heart. Don’t settle for familiarities, do your homework. Our human attempts are contained because only God can awaken the heart, a holy stirring of God that activates the wires of the heart which connect us to a sacred encounter with God, deeply attached and anchored in the fear of the LORD.
1. Wisdom from God is a free offer for all (vv.1-4)
No one should say wisdom is not available. Missing wisdom is a deliberate act of defiance; we do not avail of her offer, plain and simple.
2. Wisdom from God is obvious all over (v. 2) Wisdom is not hidden…it is everywhere. From hilltops to city gate entrances, and along the crossroads of life, wisdom shouts, begs, and boldly presents herself for the taker.
3. Wisdom from God observes and respects freedom of choice (vv. 5-9)
In verses 5 to 9, wisdom sounds like a marine sergeant bullying recruits. Yet in verse 10, wisdom shows her true colour…an agent of freedom than force. No human attempt to transform a heart has ever resulted in change!
The very essence of the gospel we preach is defied by how we present it!
4. Wisdom from God is opposed to evil and corruption (vv. 13-21)
Wisdom, though a respecter of freedom, is never a compromiser of truth! “All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech”
5. Wisdom from God bears and reflects the omnipotence of God (vv. 22-30)
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. More than spiritualizing, theologizing or trivializing this segment, let us humbly bow down in worship, for the wisdom from God bears the Omnipotent Image of God.
6. Wisdom from God is not a burden to bear, it’s an overwhelming joy to experience and share (vv. 32-36)
More than explaining, it is much better to long for it, live it, and savour all the joys it gives. If wisdom from God is an overflowing joy, we must:
• Find it!
• Taste it!
• Choose it!
• Live it!
• Share it!
Abba, open my eyes that I may be aware of the offer of wisdom. Stir my heart that a sacred awakening might spark and make me willing to accept the terms of wisdom and above all, let me experience the overflowing joy of living wisely for your glory. I put my trust in Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, the life. Empower me by your Spirit to walk in wisdom, to live freely in Christ, and burden my heart to guide others to freedom. Amen