December 9 lesson

The School of Wisdom

Text: Proverbs 8

Introduction: In the first few chapters of Proverbs, Solomon writes to his son, and we gather that his son was a bit younger. Chapters 5 – 7 reveal that this son is becoming a young man and thus more mature subject matter is addressed. In chapter 8, it is as if this young man is preparing to go off to college. Two different schools are sending him their literature: the School of Wisdom and the School of Foolishness. Both schools are hoping this young man will attend their particular school. There is an urgency in this chapter to enroll this young man in the School of Wisdom.



The Invitation from Wisdom (v 1-11)

Wisdom wants to be heard and followed. She is accessible and ready for this young man to learn from. (v 1-3) Wisdom is not something that is difficult to find. It may be difficult to use, but it is not difficult to find. We have a Book full of wisdom at our disposal every day.

This School of Wisdom wanted this young man to know that he was welcome. The school wanted to help him. Wisdom lists some of its benefits in these verses:
*I will speak of excellent things. (v 6)
*My mouth shall speak truth. (v 7)
*All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. (v 8)
*I am better than this world’s riches. (v 10)

Wisdom is valuable. Verse 11 tells us that “all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” That means if we desire anything in this world, we should desire wisdom more.

The Characteristics of Wisdom (v 12-21)

Wisdom describes herself in these verses. The school wanted the young man to know what he was getting into.

*I wisdom dwell with prudence, or “intelligence and understanding.” (v. 12)
*The forward mouth, do I hate. (v 13)
*Counsel is mine. (v 14)
*I am understanding. (v 14)
*I have strength. (v 14)
*I love them that love me. (v 17)
*Riches and honor are with me. (v 17)
*My fruit, or “reward,” is better than gold. (v 19)
*I lead in the way of righteousness. (v 20)
*I may cause those that love me to inherit substance. (v 21)

This young man would be foolish to enroll in the School of Foolishness after this list.

The Personification of Wisdom (v 22-36)

In these last verses, wisdom is being described as a Man. There are some interesting parallels between wisdom and Jesus Christ Himself. This School of Wisdom was pulling out all the stops now! They wanted this young man, and they let him know that righteousness and the truth found only in Jesus was there at their school.

Here are the parallels:
*The Lord possessed me in the beginning. (v 22) Jesus was with the Father in the beginning.
*I was set up from everlasting. (v 23-29) Jesus has always existed before the world was created.
*I was daily His delight. (v 30-34) Jesus always pleased the Father.
*Whoso findeth me findeth life. (v 35-36) Jesus is the giver of eternal life to all that come to Him.

Conclusion: Which school would you choose? Solomon did not even list the majority of the downfalls that the school of foolishness brings. Let us just focus on the positives of the school of wisdom. Enroll on a daily basis.