Proverbs 8

“Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways.  Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.  Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.  For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36 (NKJV)

From the get-go, it is important to understand that the person speaking in this proverb is not Messiah.  It is “Wisdom.”  In a sense, she (self-described v. 1-3) can be attributed to the Holy Spirit, whose ministry is to reveal the truth of God’s Word.  Also, because “Wisdom” says she was “established from everlasting,” present at creation, and stood beside Messiah (Jesus) as a “master craftsman.” (v. 23-31) Wisdom & Understanding must complement each other, so we must both know God’s Word and how to apply it AND have the resolve to live according to it!

Here is a picture of someone who seeks deliverance.  Even though it is delayed, by faith, that person keeps hoping, not disdaining its (as of yet) unfulfillment.  For the faithful, if God said something would happen a certain way, they believe it as if it has already happened, even though the results of their faith are delayed indefinitely.  

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

We see today’s proverb played out precisely at the beginning of the New Testament book of Acts 3.  A lame man is begging at the temple gate called “Beautiful” and cries out for alms (charity) to the apostles Peter and John.  (Acts 3:1-3) The beggar is in the right place at the right time, and Peter quotes today’s proverb.

“And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”  So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them - walking, leaping, and praising God.” Acts 3:4-8 (NKJV)

“All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them.  They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.  Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.  I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion.  The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.  Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.” Proverbs 8:8-14 (NKJV)