"The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not." Proverbs 8:22-33
Throughout this passage, Wisdom (Jesus Christ) has been speaking in the first person. In this beautiful speech, He says this about Himself:
Wisdom (Jesus Christ) is everlasting. Before creation, wisdom dwelt with God.
God prepared the heavens through wisdom.
Through wisdom, God sets bounds upon nature. The seas cannot cross His bounds.
The foundations of the earth are stable because God used wisdom to establish them.
Wisdom is God’s daily delight.
Wisdom delights to dwell with the sons of men.
One cannot help but stand in awe to consider how God designed, created, and maintains nature. In light of this glorious revelation, He implores, “Listen. Hear instruction. Be wise, and don’t refuse the voice of wisdom.” The wisdom that holds the oceans in place still speaks. Through Christ, we have access to this perfect wisdom. The God that created the heavens will help you deal with a difficult boss. His wisdom can bring harmony to a stormy marriage. His wisdom can show you how to guide your difficult teen. So, listen. Don’t refuse God’s instruction.