I want to wrap up this analysis of Chapter 1 of Proverbs by highlighting an interesting aspect of wisdom. Per Proverbs, wisdom is an active force (it is mentioned as a spirit in Ephesians 1:17). It "cries aloud in the street" and raises its voice "in the markets" (Proverbs 1:20 ESV). Wisdom appears to be an entity (or something like it) that has a particular agenda (to be heard and accorded with) that it actively pursues. Wisdom is found in the streets, in the markets, at the city gates (note: this is where messengers from distant parts would traditionally enter to provide news from far off lands; it is also traditionally where the elders of the city would gather to make decisions) (Proverbs 1:20-21 ESV).
Applying this to today I imagine this is saying that wisdom is with us when we are stopping at the intersection, when we are going shopping (online or off) and also in the chambers of the world's decisionmakers (boardrooms, congressional houses and the like). Where people are, where communication is ongoing and where decisions need to be made she is present and is making petition. She asks us to listen to her: "If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you" (Proverbs 1:23 ESV). The consequences of ignoring her instruction are destruction: "[f]or the simple are killed by their turning away and the complacency of fools destroys them" (Proverbs 1:32 ESV).
The Lord, through his spirit of wisdom, advocates for his position and asks us to heed him. If we do not we are subject to destruction, "but whoever listens to [wisdom] will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster" (Proverbs 1:33 ESV).
-------------------------------------
*ESV=English Standard Version
Applying this to today I imagine this is saying that wisdom is with us when we are stopping at the intersection, when we are going shopping (online or off) and also in the chambers of the world's decisionmakers (boardrooms, congressional houses and the like). Where people are, where communication is ongoing and where decisions need to be made she is present and is making petition. She asks us to listen to her: "If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you" (Proverbs 1:23 ESV). The consequences of ignoring her instruction are destruction: "[f]or the simple are killed by their turning away and the complacency of fools destroys them" (Proverbs 1:32 ESV).
The Lord, through his spirit of wisdom, advocates for his position and asks us to heed him. If we do not we are subject to destruction, "but whoever listens to [wisdom] will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster" (Proverbs 1:33 ESV).
-------------------------------------
*ESV=English Standard Version
