Proverbs 8  The first 21 verses of this chapter emphasize the availability and the value of wisdom. The writer likens wisdom to a woman who calls out.. from the mountains.. on the paths.. at the gates.. everywhere that men and women are.. calling us to listen so that we can discern truth and walk accordingly. Wisdom does not hide.. but we must seek her. 

Verses 6-9 remind me of Philippians 4:8 "Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.."   Wisdom says.. " I shall speak noble things..my lips will produce right things.. my mouth will utter truth..  the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness.. There is nothing crooked or perverted in them. They are straightforward to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge." This is why the words of wisdom are of utmost value.. better than silver or gold... jewels or anything that one could desire.  

"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way, and the perverted mouth, I hate."  The counsel of wisdom and understanding enables kings to reign well.. for rulers to "decree justice".. to "judge rightly".   Wisdom is the way to "riches and honor" to "enduring wealth".. to fruit that is better than gold.  It is the way of righteousness and justice.  We need to pray earnestly for our government to have godly wisdom!

Verses 22-31 Wisdom proclaims, "The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth."  In wisdom the seas and springs, the mountains and hills, the earth.. the dust of the fields.. the skies above.. all of creation came into being.  "And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in the world, His earth, and having my delight in the sons of men."   There is a beauty in this picture of creation.. of God's delight in all that He made.. with great wisdom and power. 

"Heed my instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the man who listens to me.. for he who finds me finds life.. " ( v33-35)  Once again wisdom calls to us.. 

Father in heaven, Holy God and Creator of all things.. thank You for loving us and teaching us through Your word.. the way of wisdom and righteousness.  Give us ears to hear.  We seek Your will.. turning our thoughts towards Your Word. Fill our minds and hearts with what is true and noble.. lovely and praiseworthy.. all this is right and blessed.. through the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the Name of Jesus Christ through Whom all that was made came into being. Amen.