Christian Leaders’ Guide to The Art of Wisdom – Chapter 8
Respect for that which is good, and those who are, needs to be taught – and demonstrated. After the sadness of the last chapter, this should present an opportunity to focus on the positive – on the good. “She stands in the open places; her ringing voice is heard down the streets, appealing to those who are entering the city gates or doors of the houses. There is no muttering or whispering; but the beauty of goodness illuminates all she says.” So said the old commentator F.B. Meyer. This – we can respect.
Be aware that this is also, in a way, a description of Jesus – the Word. Logos can mean wisdom as well. Thus the Son of God in his human nature is wisdom. We are to be Christ-like – this chapter can show us how.
Verse 1 – Matt 3:3, 4:17, 28:19-20, John 1:1ff
Verses 2-4 – Luke 14:21-23, John 18:20, Acts 5:-21, 28-29, 1 Tim 2:1-6
Verses 5-11 – Acts 26:15-18, Revelation 3:17-22, 1 Cor 2:6-7, Matt 5:2-12, John 7:46, 8:12-19, 2 Cor 2:13-15 (note that the fool (“natural person”) understands what the words mean – he just can’t understand a value in them), James 1:2-5, Acts 3:6, 2 Cor 6:3-10, Matt 16:24-26, Phil 3:7-11
Verses 12-16 – Romans 11:32-34, Eph 3:8-10, 2 Tim 2:19, 1 Pet 5:5, John 1:9, 1 Cor 1:22-26, 2 Cor 2:14-16, Rom 13:1-7
Verses 17-21 – John 14:21-24, 16:25-28, 1 John 4:15-5:5, Matt 7:7-7:11, James 1:2-18, 2:1-13, Matt 6:19-24, Luke 12:15-34, Rev 7:13-17
Verses 22-29 – John 1:1-18, 17:24, Heb 1:1-12, 10:32-34, 1 Pet 1:3-5, Col 1:15-20, 1 John 1:1-3, 4:9-11
Verses 30-36, Matt 3:16-17, 17:1-8, John 3:35-36, 12:27-29, 14:5-7, 18:31-32, 2 Cor 8:9, Luke 11:27-28, Rom 10:16-17, Heb 10:28-31, 12:18-25, Acts 17:11-12, James 1:19-25, 1 John 5:6-12
Words to clarify.
Sections/proverbs to discuss.
Time for some positivity! Discuss the advantages of seeking wisdom.
What are the implications of wisdom calling?
Where does she call? (You might check back to other chapters as well.)
Love and hate – for what?
What strength does wisdom gain because “Yahweh possessed me …”?
Creation and wisdom – what is the connection?
This chapter shares the same last word as the, much different, last. Thoughts?
Copyright Rick Henderson, Th.M. 2026, SouthBeachHope@gmail.com