I. The cry of wisdom, 1-4

A. Psalm 49:3, My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

B. I Corinthians 2:6-8, Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

 

II. The content of wisdom's cry, 5-9

A. Wisdom. "In Scripture theology, wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God, and sincere and uniform obedience to his commands." Noah Webster

B. An understanding heart, a mind which can accurately separate things.

C. Excellent things, honorable themes.

D. Truth, stability, certainty.

E. Righteousness, equity.

F. Plainness, having integrity.

G. Rightness, straightness.

H. Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

III. The economics of wisdom, 10-12

A. Proverbs 3:13-16, Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

B. Proverbs 16:16, How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

C. Proverbs 20:15, There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

D. Psalm 119:127, Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

 

IV. Loving and hating the right things, 13.

A. Evil; pride; arrogance; the evil way; a froward (perverted, fraudulent) mouth.

B. Proverbs 16:6, By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

C. Psalm 5:5, The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

D. Psalm 97:10, Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

E. Psalm 101:3, I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

F. Psalm 119:104, Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

G. Psalm 119:128, Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

 

V. The governmental authority of wisdom, 14-16

A. Kings, princes, nobles, judges.

B. Isaiah 10:1-2, Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!

 

VI. The prosperity of wisdom, 17-21

A. Proverbs 3:16, Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

B. Proverbs 8:10-11, Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

 

VII. The eternity of wisdom, 22-31

A. Proverbs 3:19, The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

B. Psalm 136:5, To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

 

VIII. Receiving wisdom by watching daily at wisdom's gates, 32-36

A. Blessing; life; the favor of the Lord.

B. The catastrophic results of the rejection of wisdom.

C. Psalm 128:1, Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

D. "Wisdom's child will ever be familiar with wisdom's gates." Charles Bridges

 

"Listen now to the calls of heavenly wisdom--to the voice of the Son of God. Doth not wisdom cry, and that not in the hour of darkness and in the secret corners, but in the high places, the paths of the city, the doors of thy house? Has she not followed thee in thy places of business, of diversion, of sin? Has she not put forth her voice in the Bible, in family devotions, in the preached Word? The loudness of her cry betokens earnestness in thy friend, and danger in thy condition. For would she have cried so loud, or continued so long, if she had not loved thy soul, or if she had not known the wrath that was hanging over thee?" Charles Bridges

 

"The acquisition of wisdom demands earnest attention, hearkening, watching, waiting. Something much more than a casual 'putting in an appearance' at the sanctuary. It implies an earnest heedfulness of spirit; a diligent, intelligent, patient inquiry of the soul; a hungering of the mind for the saving truth of God." William Clarkson

 

"Contrasted with sensual allurements are the advantages of divine wisdom, which publicly invites men, offers the best principles of life, and the most valuable benefits resulting from receiving her counsels. Her relation to the divine plans and acts is introduced, though more fully, to commend her desirableness for men, and the whole is closed by an assurance that those finding her find God's favor, and those neglecting ruin themselves." David Brown

 

"Watching daily at wisdom's gates--here is the devoted servant waiting for the master to come out with his instructions for the day, or the citizen expecting an important announcement from the king's chamber, or the beggar waiting for the rich man's servant to throw out some scraps for him to feed on. The intensity of concentration on the part of such is what we need in relation to the wise sayings of the word of God." Eric Lane

 

"Those are blessed that watch and wait at wisdom's gates; even their attendance there is their happiness; it is the best place they can be in. Those are blessed that wait there, for they shall not be put to wait long; let them continue to knock awhile and it shall be opened to them. They are seeking wisdom, and they shall find what they seek." Matthew Henry