81 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
81 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
81 Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?
81 Do you hear Lady Wisdom calling? Can you hear Madame Insight raising her voice?
81 Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice?
81 Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice!
3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city,
3 She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town,
3 Having dismissed her serving maids, Lady Wisdom goes to town, stands in a prominent place, and invites everyone within sound of her voice:
3 She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city,
3 She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
(Read Proverbs 9:1-12)
Christ has prepared ordinances to which his people are admitted, and by which nourishment is given here to those that believe in him, as well as mansions in heaven hereafter. The ministers of the gospel go forth to invite the guests. The call is general, and shuts out none that do not shut out themselves. Our Saviour came, not to call the righteous, but sinners; not the wise in their own eyes, who say they see. We must keep from the company and foolish pleasures of the ungodly, or we never can enjoy the pleasures of a holy life. It is vain to seek the company of wicked men in the hope of doing them good; we are far more likely to be corrupted by them. It is not enough to forsake the foolish, we must join those that walk in wisdom. There is no true wisdom but in the way of religion, no true life but in the end of that way. Here is the happiness of those that embrace it. A man cannot be profitable to God; it is for our own good. Observe the shame and ruin of those who slight it. God is not the Author of sin: and Satan can only tempt, he cannot force. Thou shalt bear the loss of that which thou scornest: it will add to thy condemnation.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 8:1
Commentary on Proverbs 8:1-11
(Read Proverbs 8:1-11)
The will of God is made known by the works of creation, and by the consciences of men, but more clearly by Moses and the prophets. The chief difficulty is to get men to attend to instruction. Yet attention to the words of Christ, will guide the most ignorant into saving knowledge of the truth. Where there is an understanding heart, and willingness to receive the truth in love, wisdom is valued above silver and gold.