Proverbs 8: 32 – 36

These verses conclude chapter 8 of Proverbs. They pretty much repeat that “Wisdom” should be listened to because those that follow “her” will be blessed. We should ask for, and seek, “her” diligently where she is to be found… in this case, as has been discussed, in the gates of the cities where the elders met. Speaking with wise elderly people and really listening to them shows wisdom.

Proverbs 8: 32 – 36 (NKJV)

32 “ Now therefore, listen to me, my children,

For blessed are those who keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction and be wise,

And do not disdain it.

34 Blessed is the man who listens to me,

Watching daily at my gates,

Waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoever finds me finds life,

And obtains favor from the LORD;

36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul;

All those who hate me love death.”

As you can see, our verses go on to say that those that find “Wisdom,” find life, AND will gain the “favor” of God. This is something that I really want to do. I want to stay in God’s will so that I may find His favor, and I don’t want to find myself “fighting” wise ways because the last verse for today warns me that if I do, I will “wrong” my own soul.

Since sin causes the soul to die, and sin is the opposite of being wise, which equates to seeking and following God’s ways, then this makes a lot of sense to me. It would, logically follow, that anyone who “hates” following God, would “love death…” for death ultimately equals separation from God.