Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. According to Proverbs 8:6 (printed below), why should we pay attention to the wisdom of God?
Listen, for I will speak of noble things, I open my lips to speak what is right. (Proverbs 8:6)
According to verse 6 we should pay attention because the wisdom of God (as it is presented in the Scriptures) “will speak of noble things; I open my lips to speak what is right.” In contrast to demonic efforts to subvert and destroy God-fearing society and the individual’s moral and spiritual life, the wisdom of God proclaims those things that are “noble” and “right”—i.e.; the wisdom of God as revealed in the Scriptures provides us with a standard of what is good.
2. What testimony does divine wisdom make in verse 12 (printed below?) How would you explain the meaning of this?
I, wisdom, dwell with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. (Proverbs 8:12)
Verse 12 is expressing the sound depths and reliability of God’s wisdom: “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.” The wisdom of God does not speak hastily or superficially; it does not judge according to mere appearance; on the contrary, it goes to the very heart and core of a matter, it speaks and reveals what is true.
3. What testimony does divine wisdom make in verse 13 (printed below?) What does this tell us about divine wisdom?
The fear of Jehovah includes the hating of evil; I hate pride and arrogance, and evil conduct and the mouth that speaks perversity. (Proverbs 8:13)
Verse 13 is expressing the integrity of God’s wisdom. The wisdom of God not only knows and teaches what is right; it personally abides by that righteousness. Consider the testimony of the Lord Jesus (the personification of divine wisdom) concerning Himself: “the prince of the world…finds nothing in me” (John 14:30). Jesus is declaring that the devil has no accusation that he can bring against Him; in other words, the Lord Jesus is a man of complete integrity and righteousness.
4. What are we urged to do in verse 10 (printed below?) Why are we urged to do so? See Proverbs 8:11 (printed below)
Receive my instruction rather than silver; receive knowledge rather than choice gold; (11) for wisdom is better than rubies, and whatever may be desired cannot compare to it. (Proverbs 8:10-11)
Verse 10 urges us to receive God’s wisdom and value it more than silver and pure gold. Why? Because the wisdom of God (revealed and offered to us in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments) is incomparably more valuable than all the treasures of the world (verse 11).
5. How does divine wisdom describe its conduct in verse 20 (printed below?) Why does it lead us along this pathway (see verse 21 printed below?)
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the center of the paths of justice, (21) so that I may cause those who love me to inherit riches—that I may fill their treasuries (Proverbs 8:20-21)
Verse 20 declares that the wisdom of God walks “in the way of righteousness;” the Word of God instructs us in righteous living; the Lord Jesus Christ leads us in the paths of righteousness. Verse 21 indicates that God’s wisdom does so in order that “I may cause those who love me to inherit riches—that I may fill their treasuries.” Note: the wisdom of God directs you in the path of righteous living because it is the life of righteousness that is well-pleasing to God and receives His eternal blessing (cp. Hebrews 1:9).
