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Chapter 8 -- THE TREASURE OF WISDOM
  

8.1 Does not Wisdom call, does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, in the paths she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: "To you, O men, I call, I raise my voice to all mankind.

O simple ones, learn prudence; O foolish men, pay attention. Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right; for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

All the words of my mouth are righteousness; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all straight to him who understands and right to those who find knowledge.

Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

  

As we come now to the penultimate chapter of this introduction, Solomon urges us once again to stop as we go on our busy way and listen to the call of Wisdom – rather than that of the alluring worldly, harlot of the previous section. In all areas of life and in every nation, wisdom is wanting. The world may not respond to the call, but we can make our individual choice.

Do we think? Do we really think? When there are decisions to be made do we pause and listen to the voice of Wisdom? Do we stop and deliberately consult Wisdom, as if it were a person? Do we get the facts and analyze situations thoroughly? Do we seek advice? Are we cautious or impetuous? Are we open-minded or prejudiced? Are we diplomatic and discrete? Are we discerning? Can we monitor our thinking and perceive our own attitudes? How enlightened is our thinking?

Wisdom’s ways are not crooked, devious, deceitful and scheming, so put away pride and arrogance and evil of every kind, says Solomon. Delight in finding just the right way to deal with situations and problems.

  

8.2 I have counsel and sound wisdom, I have insight, I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles govern the earth.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honour are with me, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.

I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries.

  

Take charge of your life, and begin to think like a ruler, a governor, a king. Stop being so casual. Speak as a wise man speaks, seek wise counsel, be strong and act with prudence. Establish wise procedures and efficient routines in all you do.

Here is another important promise. Wisdom loves those who love her, and those who seek her diligently -- will surely find her.

So, love Wisdom -- be infatuated and preoccupied by her, seek her approval and please her in all you. Walk with her in the way of righteousness and justice – and she will bring you health, wealth and the happiness.

Treasure Godly wisdom, and you will be blessed with enduring wealth, says Solomon. "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" says Jesus, "and all these things will be given you as well" (Matthew 6:33). You will also receive a far greater reward, he says, an eternal treasure, stored up for you in heaven "where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal"(verse 20).

 

8.3 The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.

Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth; before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world.

When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command.

When he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master craftsman; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the sons of men.

  

God’s wisdom and infinite power, knowledge and understanding are demonstrated to us daily by his Creation, by our audio-visual environment. Solomon was a keen observers of nature, not in order to understand its working after the manner of a scientist, but to draw out the principles of wisdom God has built into it. Jesus likewise found lessons in nature, such as his injunction to be as wise a serpents but as harmless as doves, as well as many parables about seeds and plants.

If you quietly observe natural things, marvel at them and soak in their beauty, and it will change the way you think. Take time to simply gaze at a flower, for example, in all its detailed structure, color tints and textures, likewise a leaf, a dog, a fly or simply the grain of a piece of wood. Try to imbibe the wisdom of the Spirit of God by which these masterpieces were brought into being.

Cultivate the mindset of a master craftsman. Think deeply about what you are doing, what you are really trying to achieve. Aspire to excellence.

  

8.4 And now, my sons, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.

For he who finds me finds life and obtains favour from the Lord; but he who misses me injures himself; all who hate me love death.

  

Make the acquisition of wisdom your daily concern, a firm commitment, your top priority. Love Wisdom, be infatuated with her. Wait and watch daily at her door, like a young man eager to catch a glimpse of his love. Let the inspired words of Solomon enter your heart, and Wisdom will enter your life – bringing real happiness and favour with God.

Take time to think about your life. Ask fundamental questions, identify problems and look for solutions. Then listen to your heart, and wait quietly for Wisdom to answer and advise you, as she surely will.

  
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