SUMMARY
Woman WisdomWisdom encompasses the qualities of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. The Old Testament book of Proverbs, which sometimes invokes a Woman as the personification of Wisdom, is a collection of aphorisms and moral teachings. Along with other biblical passages, it teaches, "The fear of the... More calls to the people in the first person, enjoining everyone to follow her and describing her many attributes.
ANALYSIS
Chapter 8 is the central chapter describing Woman Wisdom. (See “Woman Wisdom as Prophet, Teacher, PriestA priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious rites. In New Testament times priests were responsible for daily offerings and sacrifices in the temple. More, Master Worker, Child of God, and Order of the Universe” entry in Bible in the World – Proverbs.) This chapter begins with Wisdom again, like a prophet, calling from public places including the central dividing spaces such as the gateGates are openings in walls or fences for entrance and departure. In the Bible (as in Ruth and the prophets) the city gate was a commercial center where business and social transactions took place. In Amos the gate is the location of the law court... More (see Proverbs 1:20-33). In verse 7 the opposite of “truth” is significantly “wickedness” rather than falsehood. In verse 13, a right relationship to God is again described as “the fear of the LORD” (see Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). In vv. 15-16 she declares that she functions at a social level as well as a personal level:
By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just;
By me rulers rule, and nobles, all who govern rightly.
And once again in vv. 19-21, she declares her fruit to be better than riches (see Proverbs 3:16).
