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Proverbs 8: Dwell with Prudence and Knowledge Now

 Proverbs 8: Dwell with Prudence and Knowledge Now.

In Proverbs 7, Solomon described the actions of the adulteress. While the description may have literally described a person he observed, the adulteress also represented all actions and attitudes that are immoral, evil, and sinful.

In Proverbs 8, another woman is described; but in this case, the woman represents wisdom. Specifically, she represents Godly wisdom, and the opening verses clearly state that Godly wisdom is not hard to find. Verse 1 begins, “Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice?”

Some have said that the Bible is too hard to understand. Their answer is to study the work of philosophers, turn to meditation, or chase after the latest spiritual “fad”. But that attitude shows a lack of commitment, a lack of respect for God and His Word.

Proverbs 8: Dwell With Prudence And Knowledge Now

The truth is that real wisdom CAN be found, and CAN be understood. Solomon wrote in verses 2-5 “On top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates, at the opening to the city, at the entrance of the doors, she cries out: ‘To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O naive ones, understand prudence; and, O fools, understand wisdom.’” Ignorance is no excuse. “Too hard to understand” is no defense when standing before the Living God!

Godly wisdom is also truth with no devious words and hidden plans. In verses 6-9, Wisdom declares, “Listen, for I will speak noble things; and the opening of my lips will reveal right things. For my mouth will utter truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing crooked or perverted in them. They are all straightforward to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.”

The words of the Bible may make a reader uncomfortable, upset, or fearful; but it ALWAYS declares the truth of God’s Word and Will.

Verses 12-13, state, “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.” Godly wisdom is always joined with prudence, knowledge, and discretion.

Proverbs 8: Dwell With Prudence And Knowledge Now

Godly wisdom will cause a person to become more reflective before answering or before taking action. A person who has a quick and violent temper does not reflect the Will of God, A person who cannot control his/her words and causes dissension or hurt does not reflect the Will of God.

Verse 13 is especially significant. A Christian will have a love for the Father, but that love is joined to a reverential fear to properly serve Him. If God hates certain actions or attitudes, then a Christian MUST avoid such things.

From this verse, God hates evil, pride, arrogance, evil ways, and a perverted mouth. From this clear declaration, a Christian must avoid such things if he/she expects to be found worthy.

The only way to avoid the things that God hates is to embrace the wisdom and knowledge in His Word, and to put those principles into action every day. There must be a noticeable change in a person’s life from worldly attitudes to Godly attitudes.

Proverbs 8: Dwell With Prudence And Knowledge Now

Verse 17 states, “I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.” Being a Christian is not a label or an organization to join.

Being joined to the Living God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is an active commitment that does not end until a person closes his/her eyes for the last time in the life. Paul wrote that a Christian’s life must be a “living sacrifice” to God.

Verse 17 also contains a promise. If a person diligently seeks for wisdom, that person will find it. Again, there can be no excuse. Wisdom was established at the very beginning (verses 21-32). A life well lived in the Lord is a blessing to the individual, to his/her family and friends, to neighbors and complete strangers.

Proverbs 8: Dwell With Prudence And Knowledge Now

Problems and trials will arise, but God’s wisdom will lead that person to the right decision and attitude. The problems and trials may not disappear, but the ability to deal with such issues will be stronger. The greatest compliment that can be said of a person is “I’m glad he/she touched my life”.  

The last four verses hold out a promise and warning to every reader. “Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. But he who sins against me injures himself; all those who hate me love death.”

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