The Commendation of Wisdom
8 Does not wisdom call,
And understanding [a]lift up her voice?
2 On top of the heights beside the way,
Where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 Beside the gates, at the opening to the city,
At the entrance of the doors, she cries out:
4 “To you, O men, I call,
And my voice is to the sons of men.
5 “O [b]naive ones, understand prudence;
And, O fools, understand [c]wisdom.
6 “Listen, for I will speak noble things;
And the opening of my lips will reveal right things.
7 “For my mouth will utter truth;
And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 “All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness;
There is nothing crooked or perverted in them.
9 “They are all straightforward to him who understands,
And right to those who find knowledge.
10 “Take my instruction and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choicest gold.
11 “For wisdom is better than [d]jewels;
And all desirable things cannot compare with her.
The description of wisdom is an interesting contrast to what we saw of the harlot (and sin) in Proverbs 7. At first glance, they both put themselves in your way, but though sin may be brazen, it does not enjoy the daylight. Rather, it hides until shadows and evening come, and then steps out into the common area to ensnare it’s victoms.
But throughout this passage, one thing becomes obvious: wisdom is not hiding. If you look for her, you will find instruction and knowledge. Anyone who ignores prudence and wisdom, Solomon labels a fool and naive, but naturally no one has to stay that way. Acquiring wisdom does require sacrifice, which Solomon alludes to towards the end.
He says it is better than gold or silver, jewels, or any desirable thing. Though Solomon gained many of these later, his first quest and priority was wisdom (1 Kings 3). By doing so, Solomon showed the first fruits of wisdom. He delayed earthly and physical gratification, and pursued God’s wisdom instead.
We would do well to follow his example, as the wise course often involves discomfort for long-term gain. Even the most fundamental decision to follow Jesus is a choice to submit our desires to Him, in exchange for an “inheritance imperishable” and eternal life. The choice is often plain, the path of wisdom right before us, but our flesh often wars against it. Choose wisely in all you do, and do not let the wiles of sin distract you from God’s path.