Proverbs 8:12 (NKJV) — 12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion.

Wisdom is not just theoretical. We must not think wisdom is limited to mental exercise. The words translated “prudence,” “knowledge” and “discretion” in this verse all point in the direction of the practical application of wisdom. Prudence is discretion in practical affairs. Knowledge involves the application of what is known. Discretion is the trait of judging wisely and objectively. (Logos Bible Software Exegetical Guide on Proverbs 8:12.)

[archive]

Proverbs 8:11 (NKJV) — 11 For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

Nothing is as valuable as wisdom. What do people of the world desire? Wealth, fame, long life, happiness. But wisdom is more desirable than them all. Wisdom so far outdistances all the other things people pursue that there is no comparison. Sadly, most people spend their entire lives pursuing less desirable things.

[archive]

 

 

 

Proverbs 8:10 (NKJV) — 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold;

Wisdom is superior to silver and gold. This verse does not tell the godly person to refuse silver and gold; they were the biblical media of exchange. But it compares instruction with silver and knowledge with gold in order to illustrate the value of these qualities. If we must make a choice, it is more profitable to choose instruction than silver, knowledge than gold.

[archive]

Proverbs 8:9 (NKJV) — 9 They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge.

Why wisdom is obscure to some. If a person has understanding and knowledge, wisdom’s words are plain. They make sense. They are clear. But to the person without understanding and knowledge, they are obscure and difficult to grasp.

[archive]

 

Proverbs 8:8 (NKJV) — 8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.

Righteousness contrasted with crookedness and perversity. The word translated “crooked” has to do with self-will, stubbornness, and rebellion. Perversity involves twisting or warping what is right and good. In contrast, righteousness submits to the will of God and walks in His ways. Those who speak with a crooked or perverse mouth disclose that they lack wisdom.

[archive]

 

Proverbs 8:7 (NKJV) — 7 For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

Truth only. Every word of wisdom is true; she cannot mouth words of wickedness.

James 3:13–18 (NKJV) — 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

[archive]

 

On October 4, 2018, I first posted about a new book project that would explore everything the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. I continued to post as the project developed. Then, on April 27, 2019, I posted that the manuscript was finished.

Four days ago, I received an email from Everett Gossard, book editor for the United Pentecostal Church International, that the finished book should be released within the next week or so.

The title is The Holy Spirit: A Commentary. The book is 314 pages long, with forty-four chapters, seven appendices, and thirty pages of endnotes.

Scott Graham, UPCI general secretary, Stan Gleason, assistant general superintendent for the western zone of the UPCI, Michael Ensey, former general youth president for the UPCI and current senior pastor of Christian Life Center in Heath, Ohio, Terry Baughman, member of the board of directors for Urshan College and Urshan Graduate School of Theology and lead pastor of Life Church in Gilbert, Arizona, and David Norris, professor of theological studies at Urshan College and professor of biblical theology at Urshan Graduate School of Theology, will provide written reviews.

The official blog of the UPCI will feature five entries I have written with my own reflections on the process of writing the book with some brief excerpts. The blog is available at https://blog.pentecostalpublishing.com/.

The book will be available at pentecostalpublishing.com in both hardcopy and digital form. It will also be available as a Kindle download on amazon.com and as an Apple Book.

The September 2020 issue of the Pentecostal Life magazine includes the first introductory advertisement for the book.

I pray it will be a blessing to all who read it.

[archive]

Proverbs 8:6 (NKJV) — 6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things;

Excellent and right things. Every word of wisdom is excellent and right. It is necessary only to hear, to listen to her.

Notice the contrast:

Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) — 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

[archive]

 

Proverbs 8:5 (NKJV) — 5 O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart.

People do not have to remain simple or foolish. Wisdom is not just for those with advanced education or who have always made the right decisions. Wisdom is available to all.

[archive]

Proverbs 8:1–4 (NKJV) — 1 Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? 2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. 3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: 4 “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

The availability of wisdom. The basic message of the opening verses of Proverbs 8 is that wisdom is available. She does not play hard to get. Even those with the least ability can find her. Scripture never pictures wisdom as unavailable to those who sincerely seek her.

James 1:5–8 (NKJV) — 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

[archive]