Wisdom Has Friends
_________
Proverbs 8:12 “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. 13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. 14 Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.15 Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.16 Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments. 17 I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. 18 I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. 19 My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! 20 I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. 21 Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries."
Wisdom is not a singular virtue. Like a bountiful garden, the wisdom of God is filled with many virtues and benefits. Wisdom has many good “friends.”
Here, as in many other passages in Proverbs, wisdom is personified. Wisdom is speaking directly to the reader and clearly defining her assets. Giving wisdom a personality is God’s way of making the message both powerful and personal. Here’s a listing of wisdom’s friends from this passage:
- Good judgment: Everyone has judgment. What is needed is “good” judgment.
- Knowledge & discernment
- Common sense
- Success
- Insight
- Strength
- Leadership ability
- Riches
- Enduring wealth
- Honor
- Justice
- Wages (Paydays!)
