Part 1

Wisdom in Proverbs is referred to as a lady. She is portrayed as life’s greatest treasure. She is better than gold, silver, or any of the world’s rarest gems. In her strength there is safety. She is sweeter than success and more reliable than any human insight. She cries out, raising her voice to anyone who will listen. She loves those who love her, and those who seek her diligently will find her (Pro. 8:17). But the foolish, the wicked, and the slothful despise her and have no need for her. But those who fear the Lord are at the beginning of true knowledge and true wisdom. This journey to Lady Wisdom is strenuous and requires great diligence, but her rewards are priceless. She comes with a blessing and a curse to all those who keep and those who do not keep her words. “Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord; But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death” (Pro. 8:34-36).

 First, one must be in Christ to obtain Lady Wisdom because in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). We do not look in ourselves, to the world, or the philosophies of men for wisdom (Col. 2:8). Instead, we are to look up to God who has created the heavens, the earth, and everything in it (Gen. 1:1; Col. 1:16; Ps. 5:1-3). Lady Wisdom was established in the beginning before there was even an earth (Pro. 8:22-31). As we look up to the Bread of Life in heaven, we are to feed on His daily bread, the Word of God (Matt. 4:4). There is no greater wisdom than God’s word. If one does not value or study God’s word, then they will not know God’s wisdom that comes from above (James 3:17-18). God said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” and then gives a stern warning “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6). In God’s word we discover Who He is, His character, His works, His judgements, what He loves and hates, and true lasting wisdom for all of life (2 Peter 1:3).

 Next, if we are to pursue Lady Wisdom, we must value her. We will not pursue something or someone if we do not value whatever it may be. Ask yourself, “What do I value?” or “What am I pursuing?” because what you desire or value, is what you are pursuing. Are you pursuing Lady Wisdom? As Solomon writes, listen to the urgency of the Holy Spirit’s inspired words: “Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ And call understanding your nearest kin” (Pro. 7:4). By referring to wisdom as one’s “sister” and understanding as one’s nearest “kin,” it suggests a close, intimate relationship. In other words, we should keep these two as our closest companions. We should be so familiar with wisdom that she shapes our conscience, instincts, desires, and decisions before sin and temptation ever arrive. Wisdom must be relational, not informational. Temptation loses its power when truth is your closest companion. Sin will grow louder in our lives when we keep Lady Wisdom at a distance. Scripture clearly teaches us to cultivate a habitual intimacy with God’s truth.

Bind wisdom to your heart as kin

And let understanding walk beside you.

For the one who keeps truth close

Will never wander far into the dark.

Next, Lady Wisdom gives us security and stability in our pursuit of her. Solomon writes again with urgency, “Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you” (Pro. 4:5-9). Wisdom is the greatest possession a person can have, so we should make obtaining her our highest goal in life. Because nothing can compare to her, therefore, we should put forth our maximum effort, no matter the time, energy, or cost (Pro. 8). Exalting wisdom is holding her in high esteem. Max Anders says, “When you esteem wisdom, she will exalt you by rewarding you with a high position. Embrace wisdom with tender love, and she will honor you so that others will treat you with respect. Falling in love with Lady Wisdom will benefit you. She will bestow the honor mentioned in verse 8 by placing a crown on your head. You will win the prize of a garland of grace, a beautiful wreath. And she will present you with a crown of splendor. These are unnamed blessings in life.”¹ In verses 10-13, Wisdom leads us on the path of life. In verses 14-19, she shows us the path that leads to death.

 In conclusion, Wisdom is not only something we get, but she is something we must cling to. Because we are fallible human beings, we are constantly tempted to wander. We must keep wisdom in our hearts with loyal devotion. Wisdom begins with desire, not brilliance (1 Cor. 1:19-20). It begins with pursuit, not achievement (1 Cor. 1:30-31). Wisdom’s crown is not a literal crown but a visible testimony of a life shaped and transformed by God’s truth (John 17:17; Ps. 19:7; Rom. 12:1-2). Wisdom does not just drift into our lives, she must be pursued. What we value, desire, or pursue in life is what will shape us the most! As Lady Wisdom is actively pursued, loved faithfully, and guarded carefully, she will make one’s life beautiful in Christ. A wise life is a crowned life with grace, dignity, strength, and stability.

Pursuing Lady Wisdom,

Heath