The Point of the Proverbs

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?Proverbs 8:1In Proverbs 8, wisdom speaks, but whose voice is this? The answer is found in the New Testament.Jesus is described as the wisdom of God: “You are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). “Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:2-3).So, when we read in Proverbs that wisdom calls, we are to understand that the voice of the Son of God is calling out to us.Notice where wisdom can be found, standing “at the crossroads” and “beside the gates in front of the town” (Prov. 8:2-3). That’s the shopping retail park and the workplace.You arrive at the shops, and you hear a voice calling out to you, “Before you go in there, come over here. I have something that you will need.”You get on the train to head into work, and a voice calls out to you, “Before you get into all that you have to do, I have something you will need at work today.”Wisdom is presented as a person who calls out to us, offering something of great value. “Wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her” (8:11). God has given us more than wisdom in a book. He has given us His Son, who is wisdom in the flesh. And to all who are in Christ, God gives the Spirit of wisdom, the Holy Spirit, so that through the Spirit of wisdom, we may come to know the Lord better (Eph. 1:17).So, we gain wisdom through the Word, as we walk with Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. To follow Jesus is to pursue wisdom. To pursue wisdom is to follow Jesus.Have you heard the voice of wisdom calling out to you?