Proverbs 8:1-5
Prov 8:1 (KJB)
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
 
Cry - Call or proclaim
Understanding - Insight or skill
 
In the previous chapter we saw how adultery is done in secret and as we enter this chapter, we read about wisdom. Wisdom does not keep itself in secret. In fact, according to this verse we see that wisdom is proclaimed or calling to people. When we speak of wisdom, we speak of the wisdom found in the Scriptures which is the Godly wisdom. The wisdom of the world does not lead someone into a right relationship with God. The wisdom of the world does not even lead one into right living, while it may lead to some morality, it will not lead to the eternal life that Godly wisdom can. With wisdom comes understanding and that brings to light the truth concerning the world and its ways and how the ways of God contrasts the ways of the world. Wisdom and understanding is proclaimed through the effusion of the Gospel.
 
Prov 8:2 (KJB)
She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
 
Wisdom is proclaimed in top of the high places and this is not speaking of the condemned high places where sacrifices to false gods were done. It speaks of wisdom being proclaimed in the public places like Christ in the Sermon on the Mount or Paul who preached in the public places in cities. Christians today preach in public places like stadiums or churches. Wisdom is being openly proclaimed in the true gospel. It is also proclaimed in the places where people live and travel. We proclaim the gospel in this method by handing out tracts, placing bumper stickers on our car, through radio, or any method that reaches people where they go from one place to another.
 
Prov 8:3 (KJB)
She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
 
She crieth - Rejoice or shout for joy
 
In ancient times, the gate of the city was where the elders of the cities sat and where the courts of law were located. Here is where the gospel is proclaimed, to those who come into the city and do business. They are given the gospel message so if they become saved, they may take it back to their home towns or home lands. Wisdom does not wait to be sought instead it proclaims itself to the world and from any means possible. This means there is no limit to the ways and means of sending forth the gospel around the world. As we send forth the gospel, wisdom gains a bigger hearing among the masses.
 
Prov 8:4 (KJB)
Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
 
Here from the vantage point of wisdom himself stating that he calls to all. He calls to those who are mature in years and also to those who are young in years. The call does not discriminate, when wisdom is being proclaimed, all are under the hearing of it. As the gospel goes forth, many will be called but few will become saved. (Mat 22:14 KJV) For many are called, but few are chosen.
 
Prov 8:5 (KJB)
O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
 
Simple - Young, naïve, or inexperienced
Fools - Sluggish, dull, or stupid
 
Here are two different kind of people. The one group is the simple. They are the ones who are naïve or lacking experience in life. This group, if they attain wisdom will begin their life on the right path, with godly wisdom. It would prevent them from making errors which could affect them for the rest of their life. The next group are the fools who lack an understanding heart and it shows from the decisions that they make. If they were to gain godly wisdom, they would go from being a fool to being wise. Wisdom would implant in them a heart of understanding and they would filter all their moves in life through godly wisdom. In the previous chapter we saw the fool pursuing the harlot, if he had godly wisdom, he would have totally avoided that situation.

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