For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
Salient points:
- Wisdom speaks to all mankind; we are accountable; there is no one on earth out of reach of wisdom's voice.
- Repeated emphases in Proverbs: the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom; the superiority of wisdom to silver and gold.
- God in his wisdom created and sustains the world. He is plenty smart to take care of us. We should therefore rely on his wisdom, not our own.
- Many Christians identify Wisdom in Proverbs 8 with Christ. He is our wisdom (1 Cor 1:30), and through him God created the world (Col 1:15).
- To become disciplined people, it will be enormously beneficial to watch at wisd0m's door daily.
Bonus material: Many Proverbs are suited to instructing leaders, especially leaders of nations, beginning in this very chapter. When you read tomorrow's news, appreciate how accurately the Lord has the political pulse. Another biblical book with keen insight into the dynamics of politics is Ecclesiastes. Here is my selection from Proverbs:
- By me [the fear of the Lord ] kings reign, and rulers decree what is just -- 8:15
- By me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly -- 8:16
- Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety -- 11:14
- In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined -- 14:2
- Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people -- 14:34
- It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness -- 16:12 (see vv.10-13)
- The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD -- 21:3
- Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty -- 22:16
- Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel -- 25:4
- Take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness -- 25:5
- When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue -- 28:2
- When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves -- 28:12
- Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people -- 28:15
- A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days -- 28:16
- When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase -- 28:28
- When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan -- 29:2
- By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down -- 29:4
- If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked -- 29:12
- If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever -- 29:14
- It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink -- 31:4
- Lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted -- 31:5
Challenge for the day:
- Make time to watch daily at wisdom's door.
- "The vigour of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts." – George Mueller
Next time: Proverbs 9.