The Voice of Wisdom - The Appeal to the Simple
Read Proverbs 8:1-6 - To this point, the book of Proverbs has presented the wisdom of experience, as addressed by a father to his son. In Chapter 8, Wisdom (personified) appeals directly to the "simple" (ie., to those who are naive), and the "fools" (ie., those who are dull of understanding). Naturally, we don't like to think of ourselves in those terms. But, Wisdom is speaking to us (eg., Luk 24:25; Heb 5:11-13).
Who is the person of Wisdom? As we will see, more clearly, in the latter portion of the chapter, it is the Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor 1:30), who calls to us through His Word.
If that is the case, why is Wisdom presented, here, in the feminine gender? Perhaps...
- To show the gentle tenderness of our Lord, who appeals, in great love, to "whosoever will," but who will not force anyone to follow Him (eg., Mat 11:28-30).
- To show the great contrast between the appeal of the flesh and the appeal of God's Word.
As you recall, chapters 6 and 7 warned sons to avoid "the strange woman."
- 6:20-25 - Sons are warned to beware of their own fleshly lusts toward her.
- 7:4-12 - Sons are warned to beware of her seductive appeal toward them.
The appeal of Wisdom versus the appeal of the strange woman...
- to the simple (8:5; cp. 7:7)
- as a kinswoman (7:4; cp. 7:5,10)
- to intercept the simple along the way (8:2,3; cp. 7:8,11,12)
- with a voice of reason (8:1,6; cp. 7:11).
Wisdom does not deceive or seduce, but appeals on the basis of that which is excellent and upright.
The words and lips of Wisdom (8:7-14) versus those of the strange woman (7:13-14)...