PROVERBS 8
Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.
5 O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,
7 for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is better than jewels, all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
– Proverbs 8:1-11
PROVERBS 8 WISDOM CALLS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Wisdom calls everyone especially the simple one the fools
Wisdom pleads you to follow him in order to tread the right path
From His wisdom, we only hear the utter truth
There are no lies or wickedness coming from his mouth
His words bring edification and blessing to those who accept his call
Follow his instruction and treasure it for it is better than gold.
It is interesting how Solomon personified wisdom in this book. He treats her like a person who lovingly calls everyone to make use of her so that their lives will be beneficial. She cries out loud so that she can be heard. It almost gives us a picture of people not listening to her enough so she had to speak louder. Wisdom sees the folly of those who do not want to heed her call. It reminds me of parents who constantly warn and give guidance to their children so that they do not endanger themselves or fall into the deadly traps of the enemy. Wisdom gives counsel especially to those who are ignorant and uninformed of the truth and those who are foolish. She tells them how important it is to know her so that they won’t fall prey to those who would want to devour them.
REFLECTION
- Why do you think Solomon used the female gender for wisdom in this book?
