Lady Wisdom

Order of Service

• Call to Worship — Isaiah 55:1-5
• Prayer of Invocation
• Congregational Prayer
• Pastoral Prayer
• Scripture Reading — Proverbs 8:1-11
• Sermon
• Benediction — 2 Corinthians 13:14

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Sermon Title: Lady Wisdom

Scripture: Proverbs 8:1-11

I. The Cry of Lady Wisdom

A. Lady Wisdom cries out publicly and loudly — on the heights, at the crossroads, at the city gates (Proverbs 8:1-4)

B. Contrast with the adulterous woman (Proverbs 5–7): she operates in secret, at night, in disguise — sin is stealthy and shame-filled

C. Wisdom is open and unashamed; sin hides in shadows

1. Adam and Eve hid after their sin — shame drives into darkness
2. David dancing before the ark in public (2 Samuel 6) — being in the company of God's wisdom brings unashamed, open joy

II. The Words of Lady Wisdom

A. Lady Wisdom's words are the bridge to knowing her — her speech, her voice, her proclamation (Proverbs 8:6-8)

1. Her mouth utters truth; all her words are righteous and straight

B. What one hears shapes what one sees and desires

1. Eve heard the serpent's temptation — the fruit looked desirable
2. The adulterous woman lures with smooth words (Proverbs 7)
3. Lady Wisdom's words transform desire — silver and gold lose their appeal (Proverbs 8:10-11)

C. Faith comes through hearing — Romans 10:17

1. The Galatians saw Christ crucified through proclamation — Galatians 3:1-2
2. Christianity is counter-cultural: word-centered, not image-centered
3. The picture throughout Proverbs 1–9 is a son sitting at his father's feet, listening

III. The Audience of Lady Wisdom

A. Lady Wisdom addresses all of humanity — at the gates, crossroads, and city entrances — covering every facet of society

B. Contrast with the adulterous woman: she is selective, targeting one unsuspecting prey; Lady Wisdom cries out to all

C. Her audience is described as simple ones and fools (Proverbs 8:5) — Lady Wisdom comes to those who are utter messes, not those who have it together

1. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 — God chose the foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong
2. The adulterous woman sees the fool as prey; Lady Wisdom sees a broken spirit in need of the Great Physician
3. Joel 2:12-13 — even in Israel's obstinate foolishness, God cries out: return to me, for he is gracious, merciful, and abounding in steadfast love

IV. The Reward of Lady Wisdom

A. Lady Wisdom herself is the reward — not something external she provides (Proverbs 8:10-11)

1. Wisdom is better than silver, gold, or jewels
2. Contrast: the adulterous woman offers material wealth — Egyptian linens, costly spices (Proverbs 7:16-17) — but ultimately takes the man's life

B. The gods of this world only take; God gives himself in abundance

1. Sin dangles a carrot, delivers one night of excitement, and ends in death
2. Lady Wisdom gives herself — and with her comes life pouring out and spilling over

C. Wisdom becomes incarnate in Jesus Christ — John 4:13-14

1. Christ does not see sinners as bait or prey, but as simple, foolish people he pities and longs to give himself to
2. Drinking the water Christ gives results in a spring welling up to eternal life
3. Christ is the reward — feeding on him satisfies forever