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In the first nine chapters of Proverbs, we meet Lady Wisdom.

She cries out in the streets in 1:20.

Her value is greater that wealth and jewels in chapter three.

In chapter eight, we learn that she possesses prudence, knowledge, discretion, insight and strength.

In Proverbs, we meet both Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly. Lady Wisdom, according to the text, will lead us to walk in righteousness and on paths of justice. Lady Folly, on the other hand, is seductive, knows nothing, works from home, and goes to high places in town and calls out to the simple. Once they follow her, she leads them to destruction.

There are a lot of voices that cry out to us every day and everywhere. Not to overly simplify, but it seems that these voices come from one of these two personalities we meet in Proverbs. One voice will always lead us to right decisions and alignment with God’s work of redemption and restoration. The other will promise good things, or at least pleasurable things, but following the voice of folly will end in disappointment, chaos, and destruction. Folly makes promises that are too good to be true.

I mentioned in a devotion recently about meeting Jesus in various places of scripture. We see him in the wisdom literature as well. As we read about the knowledge and counsel of Lady Wisdom, I am reminded of one of Paul’s prayers. As Paul opens his letter of Colossians, he prays that the church would “reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Christ possesses all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!

A life that is daily surrendered to Christ is essential to truly hearing and receiving the wisdom that is referenced in Proverbs 8. Only the humble can hear and receive the wisdom and knowledge of God.

Father, the voices of the world scream at us for attention every day. Create in us a longing to know Christ fully, that we might receive the wisdom of God in all we do. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who convicts us when we stumble and directs our paths back to you, where we might be filled with the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus. In his name we pray, amen.