Where Did Wisdom Come From? (Proverbs 8)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

When did wisdom originate?

This might seem like a strange question, but in Proverbs 8, Solomon helps us understand why the answer is so significant. There was a reason Solomon was so wise. 1 Kings 3 tells us the story of God appearing to Solomon in a dream and saying he could ask for whatever he wanted.

Solomon asked to be wise, and God responded by saying,

¹ “’Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to administer justice, ¹² I will therefore do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again.’”

While some have said Solomon made the wrong choice and should have asked for God’s presence instead of wisdom, God nevertheless honors Solomon’s request and makes him the wisest man on earth. Thus, when Solomon writes on the topic of wisdom, he does so from a place of authority.

Solomon starts Proverbs 8:1 with these words: “Doesn’t wisdom call out? Doesn’t understanding make her voice heard?” This tells us wisdom is accessible to all who desire her. Lady wisdom is a sharp contrast to the seductress woman of Proverbs 7. Whereas the seductress leads her prey to destruction, Lady Wisdom calls out to those who will listen.

Paul Koptak points out, “While many suggest that Proverbs was designed to train princes and courtiers, like other ancient Near Eastern instructions, there is no evidence in the speech that this feature of Wisdom’s activity is limited to court personnel. Wisdom stands in the public places, and her message goes out to all.”^[1] Proverbs 8 teaches us that wisdom is better than jewels, better than gold or silver, and has always existed because wisdom originates with a God who has always existed.

In a beautiful bit of poetry, this chapter takes us back to Genesis 1 and the story of creation. Koptak writes, “Wisdom’s presence at creation suggests that she knows how the world was put together and therefore knows how it works.”^[2] This is significant because it shows us wisdom isn’t anchored in human ingenuity. Self-help books are useful, but apart from God’s intervention, we will never become a wise person. Bruce Waltke writes, “Since this wisdom existed before creation and its origins are distinct from it, wisdom is neither accessible to humanity nor can it be subdued by human beings, but it must be revealed to people and accepted by them.”^[3]

We might have great people skills, be strong communicators, and live disciplined lives, but still lack wisdom. Solomon’s life is a powerful demonstration of this reality. When he lived in relationship with God and sought to do his will, his wisdom was unmatched. But when he embraced idol worship and turned from God, he made a series of unbelievably foolish choices.