Proverbs 8:2

Wisdom is not hidden or obscure. It is as visible as the noonday sun. Wisdom does not whisper in dark, secret places. It cries out for a hearing in the middle of human activity. It is not hard to find. Any man with a heart and mind for it can easily discover it. It is not the limited privilege of the elite. It is offered freely and widely to all persons (Pr 8:4).

This proverb is part of Solomon’s introduction to personifying wisdom as a woman (Pr 8:1-3). In one of the most elegant pieces of literature in the world, Lady Wisdom is introduced before assuming the first person to describe her character and her benefits to men (Pr 8:4-36). He will continue his personification into the next chapter (Pr 9:1-12).

After three chapters detailing the methods and danger of the strange woman and sexual seduction (Pr 5-7), Solomon presented another woman, Lady Wisdom. While whores desire darkness to cover their sins and lie in wait at corners (Pr 7:8-12), Lady Wisdom stands in the open, where human concourse takes all men. While the invitation of whores should be rejected (Pr 9:13-18), the offer of Lady Wisdom should be taken (Pr 9:1-5).

God offers wisdom to all men on earth. It begins with fearing the LORD and knowing the holy God (Pr 1:7; 9:10). “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Ps 19:1-3).

“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Rom 1:19-20). Yet men do not fear the Lord!

Another fabulous piece of literature with real value is Job 28. In that chapter, Job uses a parable to describe the incredible efforts men make to mine precious metals from the earth. The deep, underground mines for gold, silver, and diamonds are extreme enterprises, but wisdom is not there, and wisdom does not cost nearly as much as the capital outlays required for those mines and refineries. Wisdom is by the fear of the Lord.

Creation’s universal language calls for all men to repent and humble themselves before their Maker, which is the beginning of wisdom (Ps 19:1-6). But that is not the only medium by which wisdom calls. The written word of God also offers wisdom to the simple, which makes it more precious than gold and sweeter than honey (Ps 19:7-11).

Reader, have you not heard parents and pastor calling you to wisdom as well? It is not far off in a difficult place. It is not whispering in the dark. It is out in the open and calling you loudly. What hinders you? Take it now. Accept her invitation. Pursue her friendship. Forsake the foolish. Separate yourself from life’s distractions (Pr 18:1). If you do not do so quickly, she will laugh you to scorn (Pr 1:20-33). Or do you love death (Pr 8:36)?