Proverbs 8:35
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For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
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Lady Wisdom offers life and the favor of the LORD. Glory! What more could you want? She brings life and God's blessing. This is the abundant life; this is the best life; this is eternal life. But where will you look for her, dear reader? Are you going to look where she can be found? Will you find her?
She certainly is not hiding, for she is standing in open places appealing to men of all ages and stations in life (8:1-5). But she encourages us to love her and seek her early - when we are young (8:17). And if it is too late to be young, then we should seek her now!
This chapter of Proverbs is a personification of wisdom, where Solomon presents true wisdom and understanding as a woman, much like we represent our nation's freedom and the weather as Lady Liberty and Mother Nature, respectively.
Your treatment of wisdom will have great consequences in your life - for good or evil. If you seek wisdom diligently, you will be blessed (8:34). If you neglect or resent wisdom, you must love death and want the destruction of your own soul (8:36).
Any man and every man would say he wants an abundant life. They would also say, at worst, that the favor of the LORD could not hurt. They spend all their effort, time, and resources on vain things that do not improve life; and these things vex their spirits. Yet how many men seriously apply themselves to wisdom? Very few (Matt 7:13-14)!
Wisdom will lead you to life - a satisfying and successful life of joy, peace, and contentment (3:13-18). It will bring the favor of God - the blessings of protection, prosperity, and personal fellowship with Him. It is based in the fear of the LORD (1:7; 9:10; Eccl 12:13), and it brings His great reward (Ps 112:1-3; 128:1-6).
Where will you look for wisdom? She is not hard to find, but she is not where the world congregates. They glory in their country clubs, nightclubs, social clubs, and educational fraternities, but there is no wisdom in these places. Wisdom is found in the Scriptures, a Bible-preaching church, and the company of wise men (13:20; Ps 119:104; Col 1:28).
But wisdom must be sought diligently. It does not rub off on the slothful; it is not absorbed by the lazy; it cannot be picked up like candy. It must be pursued with serious zeal, or it will not be found (2:1-6; 18:1). Reading the Bible is not enough; attending the right church is not enough; and neither will talking with wise men be enough. You must conscientiously and persistently seek it with your whole heart and desire. If you do, she will be found.
The greatest life and favor of God is found in Jesus Christ. He said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Fellowship with God and fullness of joy are the marks of this great life (John 15:11; I John 1:3-4), and it ends in everlasting life being an eternal heir of God with Christ (Rom 8:17).
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