Jul 26, 2020
Pursuing Wisdom #1
Wisdom Pursues Me, Proverbs 1
By Louie Marsh, 7-26-2020
INTRODUCING WISDOM
1) How wisdom BENEFITS Me.
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— 5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:1-6 (ESV)
ḥokmāh is a significant term found in approximately 150 places with the dominant sense of "wisdom." Wisdom refers to knowledge coupled with an inner quality that embodies a heart and life in conformity with the purposes and character of God. ḥokmāh has this meaning throughout most of its usage in a variety of contexts.
2) Why Wisdom is SEARCHING for me
20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: 22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:20-23 (ESV)
The most likely reason that wisdom is personified as wisdom is that those familiar with the English language do the same. We refer to a car as “she” or ships as “she,” for example. But that does not mean that a car or a ship is a female. It is a figure of speech and nothing more. - Neverthirsty.org
Not quite. Ships, etc. began to be called she because the completely male crews relied upon their ships and loved their ships, fought for her, etc. The ship nurtures the crew on a hostile sea
In English, the word wisdom is grammatically neuter, but in Hebrew, Greek and Spanish, it is grammatically feminine.The author used the literary tool of personification to change the inanimate and abstract idea of wisdom into a virtual person. Once wisdom was personified and extolled, it became necessary to refer to “it” by the appropriate pronoun — and by appropriate, I mean that it must agree in grammatical gender.
THE PRICE OF REJECTING WISDOM
1) Things will go from bad to WORSE.
24 Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, 25 because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, 27 when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Proverbs 1:24-27 (ESV)
2) My foolish pride KEEPS ME from God.
28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, 30 would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, 31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. 32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; Proverbs 1:28-32 (ESV)
WISDOM IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
1) sophia
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! Romans 11:33 (ESV)
Used of God, wisdom personified, human – as opposed to Godly – wisdom. You may have heard about the Hagia Sophia in Turkey
19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Matthew 11:19 (ESV)
2) phronēsis
8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight Ephesians 1:8 (ESV)
Usage Notes: akin to phroneō, "to have understanding" (phren, "the mind"), denotes "practical wisdom, prudence in the management of affairs."
3) synesis
47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:47 (ESV)
Usage Notes: akin to syniēmi, "to set together, to understand," denotes (a) "the understanding, the mind or intelligence," Mark 12:33; (b) "understanding, reflective thought," Luke 2:47
Note: "While sophia is the insight into the true nature of things, phronēsis is the ability to discern modes of action with a view to their results; while sophia is theoretical, phronēsis is practical" (Lightfoot). Synesis, "understanding, intelligence," is the critical faculty; this and phronēsis are particular applications of sophia. - Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words.
THE RESULTS OF RECEIVING WISDOM
33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Proverbs 1:33 (ESV)