proverbsKing Solomon often personifies wisdom in his parables to his son.  In chapter 8, wisdom is a godly woman [as contrasted with the “strange woman” of chapters 6-7] calling to young men to stop and receive her exhortations and warnings.

Many reading today’s devotion might hear the voice of a godly mother, calling to her son to hear and heed her instruction.

wisdomProverbs 8:6-9 – “Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. 7  For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8  All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. 9  They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.”

Solomon employs five adjectives to describe the inherent nature of wisdom’s message.  For the sake of brevity, I will list the 5 qualities that are descriptive of wisdom’s message.

1. Wisdom speaks of “excellent things” (8:6a). Her speech is honorable and noble.

2. Wisdom is not interested in political correctness, but in saying the “right things” (8:6b).  Her words are right; candid and morally upright.

3. Wisdom speaks “truth” (8:7). Her message is Truth–trustworthy; faithful and right.

4. Wisdom conveys “righteousness” (8:8).  Her words edify the hearer and are free of guile and perversity.

5. Wisdom’s message is “plain” (8:9).  She is not compromised. Wisdom is sincere, seeking hearts to hear and heed her words.

proverbs-8v17Where can wisdom’s message be found? Where can one find a message that is “excellent…right…true…righteous…and plain”?  The Word of God! (2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:5)

A word of exhortation: Wise counsel will be noble, right, honest, fearless and sincere. Whether seeking or giving counsel…Wisdom does not tiptoe around a failure or sin. Wisdom addresses them honestly and lovingly (Ephesians 4:15, 25).

Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith