A Life in Exile

In contrast to the Way of Temptation, our passage today reveals the Way of Wisdom. While temptation is deceptive, wisdom is anything but. It’s not like wisdom is non-existent or doesn’t make herself known. The question is: Are we paying attention and listening for her?

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads 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, and my cry is to the children of man.” (Prov. 8:1-4 ESV)

If we go back and think about the times we’ve been tempted, can we really admit that we were not aware of a better way? Even in childhood, when parents asked us to clean our rooms, we knew that it was better for us to obey. Some of us even heard the verse, “Children obey your parents,” roaming around in our heads. Wisdom was there for the taking.

The elements of wisdom

Much like the command for children to honor their father and mother, there are aspects of wisdom that should be evident to all.

O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. 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 righteous; 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. (Prov. 8:5-11)

The value of wisdom is better than that of jewels. Here’s a quick list from these verses:

• Prudent
• Sensible
• Noble
• Right
• True
• Righteous
• Straight-forward

Is it easy to tell the difference between the words and ways of a person of wisdom and those of one who gives in to temptation? From this list of words, it is evident that a person of wisdom can be taken at their word. What they say is what they mean. They are trustworthy to all who know them and easy to understand.

How would someone describe the way you speak and act? Are the elements of wisdom sprinkled in all you do and say?

The companions of wisdom

Just as insight served as a partner to wisdom, Solomon gives us three housemates of wisdom: prudence, knowledge, and discretion.

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. (Prov. 8:12-13)

Prudence, which is also one of the elements of wisdom, is a key to differentiating the way of the wise. Prudence uses caution before moving forward. The wise pause before they speak or act. Within this pause is a calculation of the outcome, the cost of the action, or the effect on others. It’s good to be prudent.

Discretion chooses the right words to use and the appropriate time to act or speak. Again, this takes thoughtfulness. There is no recklessness in wisdom.

Both prudence and discretion require knowledge. We have to evaluate our circumstances, know the Lord’s word on the matter, and consider others. We cannot be prudent or discreet without a knowledge of all aspects of a situation and guidance from the Lord.

When God is first in our life, when we fear Him above all, we find an automatic rejection of all that is antithetical to God—evil, pride, arrogance, and perverted speech.

 Wisdom is calling. Answer her quickly, and you’ll be blessed.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.