After several chapters of urgency and warnings against foolish and sinful living, we enter into a beautiful invitation from “Lady Wisdom” in Proverbs 8. She walks up and down the streets of life, calling out her words of wisdom to anyone who has the courage to listen.
Did you know wise living takes courage? It takes courage to listen to wisdom calling, and even more so to do what it says. Why? Because we live in a world that doesn’t.
It takes courage to go against the grain. It takes courage to swim upstream. It takes courage to run in your lane when everyone else keeps ducking out of the race. It takes courage to do the right thing when no one else is. It takes courage to live differently. It takes courage to listen to wisdom calling.
But the benefits far outweigh the cost. The benefits of choosing wisdom over folly so far surpass any immediate gratification we could get from foolish living. The benefits are…well, just read it for yourself.
“…for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.” Proverbs 8:11 ESV
“…I have counsel and sound wisdom;
I have insight; I have strength.” Proverbs 8:14 ESV
“Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and righteousness.” Proverbs 8:18 ESV
“And now, O sons, listen to me:
blessed are those who keep my ways.” Proverbs 8:32 ESV
“For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 8:35 ESV
The benefits of wisdom are simply priceless. It takes courage to listen to wisdom and to follow the way of wisdom, but the prize awaits those courageous ones.
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