August 8

Aug 8 - Today from Proverbs 8 we look at verse 17
"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."

In chapter eight the Teacher utilizes the literary method of the personification of an inanimate object (wisdom), in order that the students may gain insights about wisdom from a different perspective. Verse 17 is wisdom speaking, not the Lord.
Chapter eight of Proverbs reveals three basic truths about wisdom; it teaches the extreme value of wisdom, it teaches that wisdom is established, and it teaches and that wisdom is hidden. It is important for the student to understand these truths as he processes life.
"I love those who love me . . ." The Hebrew word for love in this verse speaks of tender affection. It is more closely related to the Greek word phileo (brotherly love) than it is agape (unconditional love). In the Greek, phileo is a choice based upon more subjective values. Agape is a command. We first must develop an affection for wisdom before we can truly benefit from that which wisdom has to offer. (Just the opposite is true of the Lord. We must first receive what He has to offer before we can develop a tender affection for Him.) When we begin to realize the integrity of wisdom, the benefits of wisdom, and the value of wisdom, she indeed becomes an affectionate companion.
". . . and those who seek me find me." Wisdom is hidden. It is not hidden for the purpose of being kept from us. It is hidden from the inexperienced and immature mind because it is found only in experience and maturing. It is much like saying gems are hidden in the earth. They are hidden only because we have not yet been there. I once saw a documentary on a man who formed a theory that there were precious stones under the ice fields of the frozen north. His theory included visible clues that would help identify where the stones would have formed. He spent years, and invested his life savings in working out his theory - and it paid off. He became a very rich man. But, even after becoming richer than he had ever imagined, he continued searching the frozen wastelands for more. Not because of greed, but because he had developed an affection for the hunt. It gave him a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. The stones were hidden, but not for the purpose of being kept from the public. It's just that no one had been there yet. Someone developed an affection for finding them, diligently worked at it, and the stones were found. That's how it is with wisdom. It's right there for us, established before the foundation of the world (vs. 23). Once we develop an affection for it, and we become seekers of it - we will find it. It is found through experience. 'Book-learning' can be a 'visible clue' as to where the treasures of wisdom lie, but only experience will bring forth it's richness. I believe the old adage goes, "It is caught, not taught." If there is no affection for the pursuit, there will be no fruit. Failing is just as large a part of gaining wisdom as is success. Not every hole dug produces gemstones, but we can learn from every hole dug. Just the act of seeking is a part of the finding.
What are we to be seeking? This brings us to our simple definition of wisdom; "Understanding life the way God meant it to be."
Keep digging.