Proverbs 8

Proverbs 8. Chapter 8 discusses the many, many benefits of wisdom and following the Lord our God, and also the dangers of ignoring wisdom. It also explains how wisdom was one of the first of God’s works, His first fruits. That in itself should show us the importance of seeking wisdom, but it goes on. How wisdom brings (18) “…riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity”. How those who seek wisdom are blessed and (35) “…receive favor from the Lord”. Also, how those who fail to seek wisdom (36) “…harms himself”. And those who despise wisdom (36) “love death”.

So if wisdom has all of these great benefits and the lack of wisdom carries dire consequences, then why don’t we seek it? Why do we make mistake after mistake, failing to listen to reason (wisdom)? Why do we claim ignorance and say, “I didn’t know better” or “No one told me”. I believe it to be either selfish pride (we don’t want to listen, we want it our way), or apathy (we are indifferent and don’t care enough to change).

Not knowing is no excuse. (1) “Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?” God’s wisdom is imparted upon us through the Holy Spirit and His Word (the Bible). The Bible is there for us to read and learn, the Holy Spirit there to guide us in our choices. We can’t use the excuse of not knowing, for God has made wisdom readily available (“does not wisdom call out?); therefore, we simply have to seek it.

We can’t let apathy or laziness keep us from seeking wisdom. If one is not encouraged by the treasures that wisdom can impart (18) “…riches…honor…enduring wealth and prosperity”, (35) “…life…favor from the Lord”, then (at the very least), be fearful of the destruction the lack of wisdom can bring (36) “But whoever fails to find me harms himself; and all who hate me love death”. Not caring enough to seek wisdom not only keeps you from fully experiencing a blessed life, but also can lead you to harm and death.

Lord, I thank you for making Your wisdom readily available to me, for making it one of Your first works. I thank you for the many blessings that Your wisdom can impart upon my life. I ask you to help me seek and find Your wisdom, not just find but apply it to my life, so I may be a blessing to all of those around me, all for Your glory.