Weekly Devotional 27th of February, 2026
by Bruce Billington
Weekly Devotional 27th of February, 2026
In this session, we will look at Proverbs Chapter Eight. The character, personification, effect, and value of wisdom are emphasised in this chapter.
Proverbs 8:1-4 – “Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice? 2 On top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand. 3 Beside the gates, at the opening to the city, at the entrance of the doors, she cries out: 4 To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.”
We previously covered how evil and temptation call to people, leading them astray. But we must also recognise that wisdom, too, cries out in the places where humans meet and congregate. As he began in Proverbs 1:20, the author now rounds off on the topic of wisdom.
He contrasts the adulteress lurking in the streets with a beautiful picture of wisdom, a young woman calling out, bearing a message of life and success, and seeking to win men with her gifts. She stands in the high places, visible to every eye, to be seen and known. She is highly valued and carries herself in a way that shows she is precious yet uncompromising.
As we leave this topic for other studies in Proverbs, we will finish with a few final comments about what a precious prize wisdom is. Chapter eight goes on to teach us that wisdom is:-
- Holy
All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing crooked or perverted in them (verse 8). Wisdom is holy because it comes from God. We can build it into our character and even our speech.
- Wisdom is honoured.
“They are all straightforward to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. (verse 9). The word translated as “straightforward” speaks of high character. This statement is a summary of the various characteristics of wisdom cited earlier in this text. It says that those who are quality people (“him who understands… who find knowledge”) judge wisdom as honourable. Good people recognise the nobleness of wisdom.”
- Wisdom is better than riches (verse 10)
Silver and gold were the usual measures of one’s wealth in Solomon’s day and still are in many places today. However, wisdom is considered far better than any material wealth.
- Wisdom is better than rubies (verse 11).
This is a very well-known saying, frequently mentioned in Christian circles as “above rubies”, which is used in many translations. Rubies were a choice jewel. But wisdom was better than rubies.
- Keep the right Company
Proverbs 13:20 – “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Scripture warns us to choose our heroes, friends, and counsellors very carefully. If we walk with the wise, we will pick up some of their wisdom. If we walk with fools, we will become fools or, at the very least, suffer the consequences of their foolishness. Your closest friends and counsellors should be people of godly wisdom if you are to grow in wisdom.
Wisdom enriches lives, fosters resilience, and promotes harmony in relationships and communities, creating a more thoughtful and compassionate world. Its immense value cannot be overstated, and it is abundantly available for those who fear God (Proverbs 1:7).
In summary, we see that every place in life offers us a lesson in wisdom. If we lack wisdom, it is because we ignore it. Although there is so much more we could say, we will let the Scriptures have the final word for this Devotional.
“All the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it [wisdom]” (Proverbs 8:11).
God bless
Bruce Billington