Every man is responsible for his own actions. Whatever he does or says, it’s his choice and no one else’s.”
–John Deacon (Yonder)
“The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.”
–Proverbs 1:7 (Amplified)
——————————-
Chapter 8 of Proverbs starts out with the cry from wisdom. This is the cry of reality, the cry of reason. No, not man’s reason, nor man’s relative reality. The wisdom of God is pure in its nature, and as I have written many times the words of Francis Schaeffer, “True spirituality comes all of reality.” Then listen, listen to the cry of reality–the cry of wisdom. Bob Beasley says that, “Godly wisdom is truth. That which is not wise is crooked and perverse.” As you read, note also the Messianic tone.
1 — Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding life up her voice?
2 — She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet.
3 — She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors:
4 — To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.
5 — O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart.
6 — Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come the right things;
7 — For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 — All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them.
9 — They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
10 — Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold;
11 — For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. (NKJV)
If you wonder why there is so much chaos, so much perversion and immorality, it is because man does not heed the cry of wisdom. We see that reason is making herself heard. But who is listening? Then too often, the voice of wisdom is silenced (i.e., Charlie Kirk). “People create circumstances that are good and bad, and you and I have to deal with people and circumstances as we go through life.” (Wiersbe) As we read through Proverbs, note the people that are seen–you’ll meet them throughout your life.
It has become the purpose of higher education to silence wisdom. They show a type of pseudo-wisdom–fake, false, man’s wisdom. It has become the purpose of politicians to push a wisdom that does not line up with the Scriptures. One reason for that, is that the Word of God is not taught, preached, or lived out. With that, many pulpits, that sacred desk which should be crying out with the wisdom of God is silent and has become complacent or compromised.
Let me add, no matter what we see–wisdom is calling; always placing man at places of decision. Verse 3, says that she cries out where the paths meet. The path divides, which do you take? THE CHOICE IS YOURS. I would advise listening to the voice of wisdom, not the progressive teaching of culture. The wisdom of God is patient while modern culture “elevates quick fixes, instant gratification and self-centered pursuits.” (Mike Leake) J. Verson McGee writes, “The problem is in the mind and heart of men.” Look at the way, the paths come together, which will you take. Wisdom has only one path–choose wisely.
Quickly I want to give some thoughts. There is so much to say on these verses. Verse 4, the appeal is to all people, just as salvation is to all. Who will listen? Verse 5, if you are immature you should learn to be mature. If you are foolish, you should learn to have sense. What voice are you listening to? Verse 6, Listen/Hear!! We should follow the example given here and let “our words reflect the presence of God in our hearts.” When you speak, what comes from your mouth? The words of the wise, the godly or the atrocious speech of the wicked? Verse 10-11, show the value of godly training and instruction. It is far better than worldly wealth and gain. I will add in closely, these verses present a path, a choice–who are you serving? If serving God, how much energy and effort is put into that service? Pursue God listening to the words of wisdom.