Proverbs Chapter 8 is an enconium (the literary device of personifying a characteristic) to wisdom.

It is a beautiful piece of writing, more beautiful than the Song of Solomon, which I also started today. The Song of Solomon is beloved of a lot of people, I guess because it seems to give biblical approval to human physical love. And that is a good thing, but to me it is also a little like reading someone else’s love letter….

Anyway, Proverbs 8 has wisdom crying on the top of the high hill, trying to get “the simple ones” to be of an understanding heart: to love and obey God.

“Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.

“Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

“For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord.

“But whoever sins against me, wrongs his own soul.”

Dear God, Thank You for this lovely reminder that wisdom has a female voice. Please help me understand how to praise You better. Please keep me from evil, forgive my sins in Jesus’ name and keep me firmly in Your paths. Please remove the bitterness from my heart, and replace it with Your kindness. Please give me energy to be the mother You want me to be, and to teach my children Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen