Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

As we continue our journey through the book of Proverbs today, we find that wisdom is personified as a lady who is in direct contrast to the “lady” we met yesterday, in chapter seven.

Scripture says that Lady Wisdom is calling out to us from a distance and from up close. She is around every corner. She is at every fork in the road. You can see her on the hill and hear her as you walk down the road. She waits by the door of our house when we go out and when we come back home. Wherever we go, she is there. The question is – are we listening?

Her desire is to speak to everyone, but she especially wants to speak to two types of people:

1. The simple – those who are naive, who just don’t know better.
   
2. The fools – those who know better and still don’t care.
   

In the New Living Translation, verse five says:

“You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding.” Proverbs 8:5 (NLT)

All of us have probably been foolish or naive at some point in our lives. I know I have been both at times!

Look at what this passage tells us about wisdom:

1. Wisdom gives a person good thinking processes– They dwell with prudence, find knowledge, and discretion. (v.12)
   
2. Wisdom gives a person good actions and attitudes – They dwell in the fear (reverence) of the Lord. They hate all sin – pride, arrogance, and the way of evil. They stay away from lies and a perverse mouth. (v.13)
   
3. Wisdom gives a person good leadership skills – They are good counselors and lead with justice. (v. 14-16)
   
4. Wisdom gives a person true satisfaction – They are satisfied with the riches of God. The things of this world may fill men’s bellies, but not their spiritual bank accounts. Wisdom promises believers goods laid up, not for days and years, but for eternity – her fruit is better than gold. (V.17-21)
   

Wisdom helps us navigate the space between God’s direct commands and His principles. Not every decision is a “right or wrong”, “sin issue”, decision... It is not necessarily a sin to buy that new car, but is it the wise thing to do?

All of us could use wisdom as we navigate the choices we are faced with daily.

Take a few moments to think about the decisions you are facing. Does God’s word give a clear command to obey? Does God’s Word give you a principle to follow? If you are struggling to find either, it is time to call on the Holy Spirit for wisdom!

James 1:5 says- If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Wisdom is one of the things in the Bible that God is just waiting to give us! Ask for it!

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
  
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
  
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
  
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
  
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.