BibleProject | The Wisdom of ProverbsSample

Chapter 8: Sharing God’s Wisdom

3rd Speech from Lady Wisdom

In stark contrast to chapter 7’s tale of evil seduction, chapter 8 includes a beautiful poem from Lady Wisdom to the reader. While both women seek companions, they could not be more different. As the adulteress speaks from the shadows, so does Lady Wisdom from “the heights” (verse 2); the evil woman uses deceptive words, but Wisdom “speaks noble things”(verse 6). This contrast serves to heighten our disgust for the one and our admiration of the other.

In verses 1-3 Lady Wisdom is introduced. For the remainder of the chapter she speaks eloquently about what she has to offer. Her monologue, however, does not take place before a captive audience. Rather, she walks the cobblestone road of life, calling out to those who have the courage to listen.

Lady Wisdom’s poetic discourse is full of feeling and force. Read it and you can’t help but fall under its sway. It is rhythmic, impassioned, and persuasive. In verses 4-21 she urges her reader to listen to the words of her mouth, for they are better than silver, gold, or jewels. Her words also bequeath honor: “I have insight, I have power,” she promises, “By me kings reign.” If that’s not enough, verses 22-31 rewind the tapes of history and we see that next to the Creator stood none other but Lady Wisdom! God utilized wisdom when he built our strange and wonderful world, and she rejoiced in the work of His hands.

Who can compare to Lady Wisdom?

In verses 32-36 Lady Wisdom concludes her poem. She addresses the father’s sons as her own and tells them “find me and you will find life.” Are you “watching daily” at Wisdom’s doors? Allow her words to have full sway over you.