Solomon gives Wisdom a voice in Proverbs 8 and, like an actor reciting a monologue; she is given center stage in this chapter.  The king portrays Wisdom as speaking to men and “the sons of man” who are passing in and out of the city gates (Proverbs 8:4).

Notice Wisdom’s plea: Proverbs 8:4 – “Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.”

The “men” addressed by Wisdom might be men in positions of power and authority; possibly men of noble birth and wealth.  The “sons of man” are most likely the common man of that day; men of low birth, powerless and ignoble.

Notice Wisdom’s Invitation: Proverbs 8:5 – “O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.”

Wisdom invites the simple, silly, foolish men who are unwilling to judge between good and evil, to hear and heed instruction.  She calls to fools to turn from their immoral ways and bow their will to discipline and instruction.

Beginning with verse 6, Solomon employs five adjectives to describe the character and nature of Wisdom’s counsel to men. For the sake of this brief devotional, I will focus on the first of five adjectives this month.  Wisdom is said to “speak of excellent things”.

Proverbs 8:6 – “Hear [Hearken; perceive]; for I will speak of excellent things [honorable; noble]; and the opening [utterance] of my lips shall be right things [upright in character].”

Members of a royal family are often addressed as “His Excellency” or “Her Excellency”; titles indicative of one’s birth and office.  The counsel of Wisdom is excellent–honorable and noble; she edifies and encourages the highest ideals and virtues in the heart of man.

If you have not done so, read Proverbs 8 and ponder Wisdom’s counsel. Those who heed her counsel will aspire to live honorably, nobly, and righteously.

Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith