Proverbs 8:4–The Voice of Wisdom Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. Here is a serious voice and a solemn voice. It demands that we pay heed to it. There are of course many voices which clamour for our attention in this world. There is the voice of fame and fortune which says, “Hear me!” There is the voice of leisure and lust which says, “Follow me!” And there is the voice of privilege and power which says, “Listen to me!” Are you giving heed to these voices? You should close your ears to them and attend to a different voice: the voice of wisdom. What is wisdom? you ask. It is a good question. Every man likes to believe that he is wise, for no-one wishes to be thought a fool. But when every man seems to have a different philosophy, a different religion, a different lifestyle, can they all be truly wise? Is there a standard by which we may judge wisdom? When we study this chapter we see that the real question is, Who is wisdom? Wisdom is certainly a divine attribute, as Scripture declares. “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite” (Psa.147:5). But in Proverbs wisdom is personified – it is given the characteristics of a person. Wisdom speaks, having a mouth and lips (vv.6,7). In verse 14 a person named wisdom is speaking, who yet possesses wisdom. From verse 22 the picture becomes clearer still. We learn that wisdom is an everlasting Person (v.22,23) by eternal generation (v.24). This Person was involved in creation, which is a divine work. And when the universe was born this Person was by God, with God and was the delight of God (v.30). In the New Testament wisdom is identified. The gospel preached by the apostles triumphed among Jew and Gentile alike because at its heart lay “Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1Cor.1:24). Of the Lord Jesus Christ Paul could say, “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col.2:3). Christ in the gospel of salvation is our wisdom. To whom does wisdom speak? Wisdom speaks to all men. To all who have the name and nature of man. Two distinct words are used to refer to man here. The first indicates man in his strength and vigour; the second man in his weakness and folly. The point is clear. There are no classes or ranks of men when it comes to the gospel, for we are all the fallen sons of Adam. “Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: Both low and high, rich and poor, together. My mouth shall speak of wisdom” (Psa.49:1-3). Let us note five things about the voice of wisdom. Firstly, why wisdom speaks. Wisdom speaks because of the condition of men. “O ye simple...ye fools” (v.5)! As sinners we are ignorant of the true God and our minds need to be enlightened. We are foolish in our conduct and our wills need to be renewed. The gospel calls to us across the distance which separates us in our sin from God in His holiness and bids us return to God in repentance. It bids you to come. Secondly, what wisdom speaks. Wisdom speaks of “excellent things” and “right things” (v.6). It speaks of love, mercy and grace. It speaks too of trust and obedience. The things of the gospel are blessed and beneficial to the souls of men. There is pardon and peace, rest and renewal. Contrast this with the immoral and hateful things in the previous chapter. Do not follow then in the deadly paths of sin, but go by the way of salvation into the paths of righteousness. Thirdly, where wisdom speaks. Wisdom speaks everywhere. It speaks in the country, in high places and by highways (v.2). It speaks in the city, at the gates and at the doors (v.3). Wherever sinners are to be found, busy at their sin, whether in crowds or by themselves, there wisdom will be heard. It speaks softly by the works of creation and providence which men see. It speaks plainly by the word of God when it is read and preached. Jesus Christ has commissioned His servants, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Fourthly, how wisdom speaks. Wisdom speaks in great earnest. “Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? (v.1). There should be a rousing and a pleading note in preaching. Think of what sinners are – asleep, dead! Think of where sinners are – on the broad way that leads to destruction, on the brink of hell! It is only fitting that the gospel be proclaimed with conviction, so that men will “awake to righteousness” (1Cor.15:34) and flee from the wrath to come. Lastly, when wisdom speaks. Wisdom speaks now. It has spoken to you before, perhaps many times. You heard its voice from loving parents, from faithful ministers, from concerned friends. Wisdom may speak to you again in this world, but no-one can be certain of that. If you do not heed the gospel now, and receive Christ the Saviour by faith, you may have all eternity to regret that you were so foolish. Dear friend, listen to the voice of wisdom once again and learn that there is a full and free pardon of sin for every sinner who will ask it sincerely from God. “Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not” (v.33)!