A few verses from Proverbs 8 stand out to me this morning. Looking at the chapter in whole —
Verses 1-11 seem to cry out, reminding us to listen, reminding us that wisdom is not far away from us if we will listen.
My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. – Proverbs 8:9 NLT
They remind us that God is not hidden from us, but He has revealed Himself to us. They remind us that His way is not hidden or secret, but is available to all who will listen.
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Verses 12-16 tell us about wisdom being the source of discernment and justice.
All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. – Proverbs 8:13 NLT
They speak of Truth and reveal clearly that it comes from God, not from the works of men – that in fact, it is God that establishes even kingdoms and rulers.
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Verses 17 – 21 are like a welcoming promise followed by a sweet embrace.
I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries. – Proverbs 8:17, 21 NLT
They point out that the treasures spoken of are more precious than the most valuable “things” in this world – they speak of a Kingdom that is greater than where the foolish and wicked dwell. They speak of a Kingdom that is not hidden from us, but that many cannot see because they have no interest in it.
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Verses 22 – 31 introduce us more personally and intimately to the master of the house who is inviting us in (the messenger, the guide who will be leading us along the way on this journey into wisdom).
The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. – Proverbs 8:22, 30 NLT
They speak to us of Wisdom, of God’s will and purpose and laws that govern things that are unseen and spiritual as well as those that are physical and seen.
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Verses 32 – 36 invite us to spend time together daily, even to abide with and have fellowship with our newly found friend.
For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord . But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death. – Proverbs 8:35-36 NLT
They speak of people either finding favor in this friend that they have found, or that those who hate wisdom prove that they love death.
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Isn’t this the truth of the Gospel? Jesus Christ is not hidden from the world. Is there any man foolish enough to deny the wisdom of His teaching or the blameless and selfless nature of His life’s example? Can’t we see that He is both discerning and just? Can’t we see that He welcomes all to enter into a new life of wisdom and turn away from a foolish life ruled by sin and worldliness that accounts for nothing and that leads to death? Can’t we see that it is a daily, close, personal relationship that overflows into every area of our life – not just an occasional, empty religious practice?
He isn’t hidden from you — love the LORD, and hate evil. Live with Him, and He will live with you. May the LORD bless you and keep you. May He lead you upon the path, and all will see Him finish the work that He has begun in His people, because as He declared on the cross, “It is finished.” And the empty tomb and the filled vessels testify to His victory, today and forevermore! Amen.
Harold J. Ballinger 