In Lesson Three: Wisdom is Eternal, wisdom speaks to us about her role in the creation story. One takeaway is that wisdom is eternal.
Introduction
In Proverbs Chapter 8 wisdom speaks to us. There, she explains her eternal nature.
More specifically, Proverbs 8.22-31 are descriptive. In contrast, Proverbs 8.32-36 are a call to action.
The Creation Story
Read Proverbs 8.22-29. What’s being described in these verses?
- Actually, these verses describe a segment of the creation story.
Now, compare Genesis 1.1 with Proverbs 8.22. Note the repeated phrase “…in the beginning…” where the same Hebrew word is used for “beginning.”
In addition, read Proverbs 8.23 “…from everlasting…” See also Colossians 1.16-17.
Note that these verses in Proverbs Chapter 8 mention the creation of oceans, mountains, land mass, the atmosphere, and clouds. Also, a circular earth (Proverbs 8.27; compare with Isaiah 40.22).
However, the Proverbs story does not mention the creation of light or animal life.
Wisdom and God the Father
Read Proverbs 8.30-31. In these verses, how does God the Father view wisdom?
- Wisdom is portrayed as a close companion with God. It uses words such as “delight” and “pleasant.” Hence, what was pleasant about wisdom for God can also be pleasant for me as a person of faith.
Read Proverbs 8.32-36. What’s wisdom telling us to do? More importantly, what’s the result?
- We are encouraged to listen. Thus, to be teachable. Also, we are to be persistent in our pursuit of wisdom.
- The result of that pursuit is that we become wise. Moreover, we enjoy blessings such as God’s favor on our lives. In fact, we find life itself. Therefore, we discover the essence of an abundant life.
Who Grasped These Precepts?
In Genesis 41.33 we read that Joseph was “…discerning and wise.” Similarly, in Exodus 36.1-2 Moses calls into service those who are “…wise hearted…have wisdom…are insightful…”
So what? Well, the “So What” here is that 500 years, for Moses, to 700 years, for Joseph – before Solomon started recording the precepts – others had already figured out how to practically apply these precepts!
Today, we have access to this same body of life precepts. Why? Because wisdom is both eternal and it is universal. Meaning, it’s freely available to anyone. Anywhere. Anytime.
Consequently, when I become wise-hearted, others recognize the change in me – in my behavior and words.
When I absorb the precepts, I will recognize that wisdom enhances my creativity. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Some Takeaways
Wisdom was present at creation. It was used there by God.
Wisdom is a gift to man, from God. Therefore, wisdom wasn’t created by man.
So, here’s the template for wise-heartedness: listen, absorb what you have heard, become wise, then enjoy abundance!
