Proverbs 8:1-3. 1Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? 2On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; 3beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
Proverbs 7 tells a tale of woe concerning the simple fool who listens to the seductive voice of the adulteress. If Proverbs 7 is the personification of sin, then Proverbs 8 is the personification of wisdom. Wisdom is a woman calling out, raising her voice, taking her stand, crying aloud.
Just like the adulteress, Lady Wisdom is trying to convince the simple to follow her. To turn toward her. As in the cartoons where a person has a little angel on one shoulder and a little devil on the other shoulders, each trying to persuade the person to listen to their advice, we too are being persuaded each day to listen to one of two voices. Solomon turns both Wisdom and Folly (foolishness) into persuasive women in this book. Both women are constantly crying out to those who pass by. Both want you to follow them. Both want you to do what they say. Both want you to be their friend. The question is, which voice will we listen to?
There is good news for us here. First, Wisdom is available to everyone. Her voice is loud for all to hear. Even the simplest of fools can find her. Second, Lady Wisdom is not hidden. She is not elusive. In fact, Wisdom is looking for us long before we decide to go looking for her. What we can always be sure of is that Wisdom is never quiet. She is always talking. She is always crying out for us. She is always offering us God’s way. The wisdom of God is not for the select few. It is for any and all who will turn from Folly to the fear of the Lord.
How much more real is all of this for us who are in Christ? Christ is our Wisdom and he too is not silent. He is not hidden. Rather, we are hidden in him. Jesus is speaking to us by the Spirit through the ministry of his word to our hearts, and by the joining of his heart to our new heart. Wisdom personified is calling us today? He is always calling out, always raising his voice, always taking his stand, always crying aloud to our souls. Come to me. Find rest in me. Learn from me. Love with me.
But are we listening?
Jesus is calling you today. Personally. Individually. He is calling you to take up your cross and follow him. He’s calling you to join the procession of the crucified King. He’s calling you into the way of sacrifice. Into a lost and lonely world in desperate need of hope and kindness. He’s calling you to walk hand in hand with him all the way home.
Are you listening?
You: Which voice have you been heeding lately? Lady Folly or Lady Wisdom?
You in Christ: In Christ, you are never without access to wisdom.Spend time seeking the wisdom of Christ today knowing that he has already sought out you.
Christ in you: Can you identify Jesus crying out to you? Is what you hear from Jesus consistent with his word (the Bible)?
Pray: Spirit, draw my heart to Christ’s heart as he calls out to me today. Amen.
To Live is Christ 