The book of Proverbs is an invitation to wisdom. Wisdom is not demanding, or bothersome. Instead, Proverbs reveals that the personification of Wisdom is alluring. Wisdom isn’t inconvenient or irritating. Rather, wisdom is as gentle as a dove. Wisdom will not force itself upon you, alternatively, it calls us out and invites all.
Wisdom cries aloud in the street and in the markets she raises her voice. At the head of the noisy streets she cries out and at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge” (Prov. 1:20-22). On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand. Beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man. O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense” (Pro. 8:1-5). Wisdom has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To those who lack sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight” (Prov. 9:1-6).
Each time Wisdom is found at places where all can hear her call: at the head of the noisy street by the entrance of the city gates (1:20); beside the gates in front of the town (8:2); calls from the highest places in the town (9:3). Wisdom isn’t hidden where no one can hear her invitation. Rather, Wisdom has made her invitation in the most public of places, where the most people are gathered. But who is Wisdom appealing to? Simple ones (1:22; 8:5; 9:4); men and the children of men (8:4); those who lack sense (9:4); scoffers and fools (1:22; 8:5).
Based upon where Wisdom is crying out, and to who she is crying out to, we can deduce that any and all are invited to come and partake of Wisdom. Wisdom isn’t just for the wealthy, healthy, beautiful, smart, privileged, and educated. Rather, Wisdom is for whosoever will pursue it.
Wisdom is inviting everyone to a virtuous life. Wisdom seeks to give everyone the skills needed for everyday living. To obtain wisdom is to acquire prudence and discretion, which brings excellence and success in life.