PROVERBS 8
12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
14 I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.
15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;
16 by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.
17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,
21 granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.
– Proverbs 8:12-21
PROVERBS 8 WISDOM DESCRIBES HERSELF
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
I am wisdom and I possess foresight and understanding
You will know me because I hate the proud and the arrogant
I fear the Lord and hate all things evil and wicked
If you seek me persistently, you will find me
Because of me, rulers and kings lead reasonably
If you love me, you will have riches and righteousness
If you seek me, you will overflow with wealth and inheritance
The fruits of being with me are better than gold or silver.
Solomon describes wisdom in a very unusual way by letting her describe herself in the first person. If you look closely, wisdom is almost synonymous with God himself. In the book of James, he describes in 3:17 that the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Isn’t this exactly what Solomon described in these following verses?
Seeking wisdom that comes only from above brings many benefits in our lives. It gives us fear of the Lord, impartiality, good fruits better than treasures, discernment and justice.
REFLECTION
- Share an experience you had when you pursued wisdom.
