Forget Trends: Wisdom Never Goes Out of Style

Imagine if wisdom—the ability to make good choices and know the right thing to do—was not just an idea but a person. In the Bible, especially in the Book of Proverbs, Wisdom is described as a woman who talks, teaches, and helps people understand how to live a good and happy life. This doesn’t mean she’s a real person walking around; instead, the Bible uses a creative way of writing called personification to make wisdom feel real and alive, like a kind teacher or a loving guide.

By imagining Wisdom as a person, the Bible helps us see how important it is to listen to her and follow her advice. She is shown as a noble and virtuous woman, someone who is wise, kind, and always wants what’s best for us. Wisdom is like a caring friend who says, "Come with me, and I’ll show you how to make good choices, avoid mistakes, and live a life that honors God."

Now let’s look at how the Bible describes this "person" called Wisdom:

Her Call and Invitation

Wisdom is like someone standing in a busy place, like a park or a schoolyard, calling out to everyone. She says, "Hey, listen to me! I can help you understand life better. If you’re confused or don’t know what to do, I’ll show you the way." (Proverbs 1:20–23). She invites everyone, especially those who feel lost or unsure, to come and learn from her.

Her Character

Wisdom is good and pure. She is always honest and fair. Imagine someone who never lies, always helps others, and knows the right thing to do in every situation. That’s what Wisdom is like. She says, "If you follow me, you’ll find peace, happiness, and success in life" (Proverbs 8:12–14).

Her Rewards

When you listen to Wisdom, good things happen. She teaches you how to live in a way that makes you feel safe and happy. She says, "If you choose my way, you’ll live a long and peaceful life. You’ll make better decisions, and people will trust and respect you" (Proverbs 3:13–18).

Her Role in Creation

One amazing thing about Wisdom is that she was with God when He created the world. The Bible says she helped God design everything—the oceans, the mountains, and even the stars in the sky (Proverbs 8:22–31). This shows us that Wisdom isn’t just good advice; it’s a part of how the whole world works. When we live wisely, we’re living the way God designed life to be.

Her Contrast with Folly 

Wisdom is like a wise and kind teacher, but there’s also another character in Proverbs called Folly. Folly is like a foolish person who makes bad choices and tries to trick others into doing the same. While Wisdom leads to happiness and safety, Folly leads to trouble and sadness (Proverbs 9:13–18). It’s like having two voices in your head—one saying, "Do the right thing," and the other saying, "Take the easy way, even if it’s wrong." The Bible encourages us to listen to Wisdom and ignore Folly.

Theological and Practical Significance

The personification of Wisdom serves several important purposes:

• Accessibility: By imagining Wisdom as a person, the Bible makes an abstract idea more vivid and relatable. It’s easier to understand wisdom when you think of her as a guide, mentor, or teacher who is always there to help you.
• Moral Instruction: The comparison between Wisdom and Folly helps us see the importance of making good choices. It shows us that we need to think carefully about what’s right and wrong and decide to follow the better path.
• Foreshadowing of Christ: Many Christian theologians believe that Wisdom is a picture of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is called "the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24) and the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). This means that when we follow Wisdom, we’re also following Jesus.

Application

The portrayal of Wisdom as a person challenges us to reflect on our own lives. Are we listening to Wisdom’s call, following her advice, and living in ways that honor God? Or are we being drawn away by Folly’s false promises and bad choices?

When we choose Wisdom, we’re choosing to live thoughtfully, seek what’s right, and walk in the fear of the Lord. This fear doesn’t mean being scared of God but having deep respect for Him and His ways. Proverbs teaches us that this respect is the foundation of all true wisdom and the key to a happy, meaningful life.