Year One, October 26

Those Who Seek Me Diligently Find Me1

In this chapter we once again hear the words of heavenly wisdom, in the person of the Son of God, warning us against foolishness. Let us not be unconcerned when God himself takes issue with us.

  

Proverbs 8:1-21

1 Does not wisdom call?

Does not understanding raise her voice?

2 On the heights beside the way,

at the crossroads she takes her stand;

3 beside the gates in front of the town,

at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:

4 “To you, O man, I call,

and my cry is to the children of man.”

All around, in his word, in providence, by his ministers, and by his Spirit, Wisdom still calls out to the children of man. In this country where Bibles are easily available, the Lord Jesus calls to young and old, rich and poor, to consider him and turn to him.

5 “O simple ones, learn prudence;

O fools, learn sense.”

Jesus invites the foolish to come to him. How kind he is. The masters of old wanted only wise men for students. Few teachers nowadays would invite fools to their schools. Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart. He includes those of humble means. He is ready to be the teacher of even slow learners. No one needs to stay away from Jesus because of their ignorance. It is even a good reason for coming to him. But for some who might ask, “Is his teaching worth hearing?” he goes on.

6 “Hear, for I will speak noble things,

and from my lips will come what is right,”

But does he speak the truth? Yes! He does.

7 “for my mouth will utter truth;

wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;

there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.”

But can we understand his teaching? Can less educated people learn from him? Can little children respond to his teaching? Yes! His words are simplicity itself.

9 “They are all straight to him who understands,

and right to those who find knowledge.

10 Take my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than choice gold,”

Soul-saving knowledge is worth more than any amount of money.

11 “for wisdom is better than jewels,

and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,

and I find knowledge and discretion.”

Eternal Wisdom designed the Cross to bring peace between God and people. The plan of salvation—by using a substitute to pay for sin—is the very peak of wisdom. Let us make every effort to get this wisdom.

13 “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil.

Pride and arrogance and the way of evil

and perverted speech I hate.”

And what God hates, we must also hate with all our heart.

14 “I have counsel and sound wisdom;

I have insight; I have strength.

15 By me kings reign,

and rulers decree what is just;

16 by me princes rule,

and nobles, all who govern justly.

17 I love those who love me,

and those who seek me diligently find me.”

This is a thick slice of meat for the children of our families. Let boys and girls take hold of it and go to Jesus in complete confidence in this promise.

18 “Riches and honor are with me,

enduring wealth and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,

and my yield than choice silver.”

Nothing can be so useful, so valuable, so really good for us as to know Christ and to be in fellowship with him.

20 “I walk in the way of righteousness,

in the paths of justice,”

In the middle of the road, which is the path of safety.

21 “granting an inheritance to those who love me,

and filling their treasuries.”

They will be truly rich in grace. Even if they are poor in this world, they will be infinitely rich in the world to come, where there is a kingdom for the very least of them.

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¹ Proverbs 8:17