1 Does not wisdom call,
and does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights, beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
4 “To you, O people, I call,
and my cry is to all that live.
“…1 Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? …”
The personification of Wisdom in the book of Proverbs is always contrasted with the personification of Folly. Again and again, the two are pitted against one another with the reader charged to choose the correct way. To recognize the distinct choice between the two is to comprehend what the writer is saying here.
God’s Wisdom is not hidden, as some would believe. Rather, Wisdom is constantly calling to individuals to turn away from Folly and follow her way. In fact, Wisdom is so desirous of our attention that she even resorts to raising her voice in attempt to draw us away from Folly. That’s because Wisdom offers life, hope, peace, and prosperity. Following Folly results in despair, anxiety, poverty, and death.
Wisdom, therefore, is associated with faithfulness to God’s will, obedience to God’s commands, and trust in God’s Word. By walking in the way of Wisdom, we not only bring blessings upon ourselves but upon the entire community. That is why Wisdom is so adamant in her call. She knows that it is not only our welfare that’s at stake, but the welfare of all people.
Prayer: Lord, you call us to walk in the way of Your Wisdom. Help me to hear Her cry, heed Her call, and always walk in Her way. Amen.