“Wisdom”

BIBLE READING: Proverbs 8-16

In chapter 8 and 9 Solomon praises wisdom, using the picturesque way of identifying wisdom as a woman. For example, in Chapter 8:8 “All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.  In Chapter 8:10 “Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold for wisdom is better than jewels and all that you desire cannot compare with her.”

In chapter 9, he contrasts wisdom and folly. In verse 8 he states, “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” “…teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.” (verse 9) Verse 13, “The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing.”

Notice that in Chapters 10-16, the proverbs are written as “couplets,” with the first line stating a truth, while the second line is contrasting it. Verse 1, “A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.” Verse 4, “A slack had causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” Chapter 11:1, “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” Chapter 12:1, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” 12:4, “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.” Chapter 13:3, “whoever guards his mouth preserves hi life; how who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Chapter 14:11, “The houses of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.”  Chapter 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” 15:8, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Chapter 16:4, ”The Lord had made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.”