Proverbs 8

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Excellence of Wisdom

Who is it that wisdom calls out to? Who does she intend to hear her call?
Describe the characteristics of the words of wisdom given in verses 5-11.
From verses 12-21, list the virtues and benefits offered to those who respond to the call of wisdom.
Identify 2 portions of Scripture in the New Testament teaching that Christ is not only the Word of God but the wisdom of God as well.

Wisdom calls out so that everyone may hear her call, from the highest hill to the busy pathways of active people (vs 1-3). It is her desire that everyone seek her and hear her words (vs 17, 32).
In verses 5-11, we find that the words of wisdom are excellent, right, truthful, righteous, understandable and valuable.
In verses 12-21 the virtues and benefits offered to those who respond to the call of wisdom include true knowledge and discretion, a hatred of evil, pride and arrogance, good counsel, moral strength, ability to lead and judge righteously, honor, righteous character, and justice.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24 and Colossians 2:3 teach that Christ is not only the Word of God but the wisdom of God as well.

After reading verses 22-31 once again, discuss the reasons that some may use to interpret these verses as a direct reference to Christ. Compare another interpretation that holds to the belief that personified wisdom here just refers to God’s attribute of wisdom.

Is it your desire to turn from a life of foolishness to a life of wisdom? Turn to Jesus Christ who is the very Wisdom of God, trust Him as your Lord and Savior, and inherit an eternal life full of wisdom.

“Listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways; whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord. But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32, 35, 36