INTRODUCING LADY WISDOM – Proverbs 1:20-33 – 6-16-24

Proverbs 1:20 introduces wisdom as a woman whose voice offers an appeal & invitation to live according to the ways of God.  This passage is the first of four ‘Lady Wisdom’ oracles in Proverbs.  In the first oracle (our text today) we are issued a warning given the high stakes she commands. Oracle two (3:14-18) expounds the great wealth of blessing for those embracing her. Thirdly, in chapter 8:1-36, Wisdom is revealed as intrinsic to the nature of God and creation, while oracle four (9:1-18), juxtaposes 'Lady Wisdom' and the woman 'Folly'. Today, with the poetic power of personification, we hear Wisdom issuing an ultimatum reinforcing the central theme of Proverbs reprised in Lady Wisdom’s fourth oracle: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (9:10).