The Voice Of Wisdom

by Pastor Mark
September 12, 2024

The personification of wisdom

One way in which the author of Proverbs sought to describe wisdom was using personification. It is a literary device to attribute human characteristics to something inanimate, abstract concepts or that which is non-human. Solomon used personification to describe wisdom and create vivid pictures for us to understand and appreciate. It helps to make wisdom come alive to us so that we can gain greater insights and respond appropriately.

Solomon wrote about the voice of wisdom and how we ought to listen to her voice. Many voices call out for our attention. There are the voices of self, the world, friends and many more. Amid all these noises, are we able to listen to the voice of wisdom? The answer should be “Yes!”

The call of the voice of wisdom

  1. Solomon wrote that the voice of wisdom calls out from outside (Proverbs 1:20).
  2. Wisdom goes beyond the family…where parents can try to provide wisdom (Proverbs 1:8).
  3. It calls from the open squares, the chief concourses and the gates of the city (Proverbs 1:20–21).
  4. This voice of wisdom is calling out loudly and clearly….no one should miss that voice.
  5. The problem does not lie with wisdom’s call but with how we are listening.

The problem of not listening

  1. Wisdom is described as one who speaks her words to us, but not all would listen (Proverbs 1:21).
  2. Who are these people who are not listening to the voice of wisdom?
    1. There are the simple ones who love simplicity and prefer to remain simple (Proverbs 1:22).
    2. There are the scorners who delight in scorning (Proverbs 1:22).
    3. There are also the fools who hate knowledge (Proverbs Prov 1:23).
      • They have no desire to seek knowledge and wisdom.
      • They remain foolish in their thinking and ways.

Reasons for not listening to wisdom

  1. People refuse to listen as they reject the call of wisdom (Proverbs 1:24).
    1. They have no regard for the plea of the outstretched hand of wisdom (Proverbs 1:24).
    2. They disdain the good counsel of wisdom (Proverbs Prov 1:25).
    3. They choose not to listen to the rebuke of wisdom (Proverbs Prov 1:25).
  2. These are some reasons why many do not listen to the voice of wisdom.

The challenge to listen well

What are some things that we ought to do as the voice of wisdom calls?

  1. Turn from our foolish ways when the rebuke of wisdom is given (Proverbs 1:23). It takes humility to accept rebuke but we become wiser when we realise our error and change.
  2. Receive the spirit of wisdom (Proverbs 1:23). Wisdom seeks to pour its spirit into us…to fill our minds and hearts.
  3. Be further enlightened as wisdom makes known her words to us (Proverbs 1:23).

The impact of the Word of God

Wisdom is gained through the Lord and His Word. The Psalmist wrote, “The testimonies of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7) When we listen to the Word of God, we go deeper in our understanding and become wiser in our thoughts. We become people of depth. That is the kind of impact the Lord’s Word and wisdom can make in our lives.

Let us not love simplicity but to love wisdom and depth instead. Let us be challenged to listen to the voice of wisdom as we grow in our understanding of the Lord and His Word.

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