Proverbs 8:12-14 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
‘Prudence’ is defined here as practical wisdom, or wisdom in action, choosing the best means to an end. Hence, witty (shrewd, practical) inventions.
‘The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.’ To depart from evil through the fear of God is to obtain eternal life (14:27). Four things the fear of God is the hatred of- Evil, the evil way, arrogance and pride.
There are four blessings of the fear of God: Strong confidence (14:26). A place of refuge – security. Eternal life (14:27). Holiness of life and conduct.
Fourteen blessings of the fear of the Lord: Is the beginning of wisdom (1:7; 9:10). Determines destiny (1:29). Helps to depart from evil (3:7; 16:6). Is to hate evil (8:13). Prolongs days (10:27). Gives strong confidence (14:26). Is a fountain of life (14:27). Produces satisfaction (15:16). Is the instruction of wisdom (15:33). Tends to life (19:23). Gives riches, honour, and life (22:4). Brings freedom from envy (23:17). Brings blessing and prosperity (Eccl. 8:12; Isa. 33:6). Involves humility (Isa. 2:10-21).
‘Fear’ [Hebrew: yir’ah] religious reverence. By the mercy and truth of God, atonement for sin is made and iniquity is purged; through fear of Him, men depart from sin (John 16:6; Tit. 3:5).
‘Hate evil’ – A man may outwardly depart from evil yet love it in his heart, but to hate it he must have divine wisdom. By nature men love evil (Jer. 17:9; Matt. 7:17; 15:19; John 3:19; Rom. 3:10-18; 8:7-8; 2Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:2-12; 4:17-22).
‘Froward mouth’ – A perverse mouth is referred to in a threefold way: Froward speaking (2:12). Froward mouth (4:24; 6:12). Perverse lips (4:24).
‘Sound wisdom’ [Hebrew: tuwshiyah] stability; essence; substance; reality. From it come all inventions and knowledge of all sciences known to man. Translated as “wisdom” (Job 6:13; 12:16; Pro. 2:7; 3:21; 8:14; 18:1; Mic. 6:9); “enterprise” (Job 5:12); “that which is” (Job 11:6); “the thing as it is” (Job 26:3); “substance” (Job 30:22); and “working” (Isa. 28:29).
Living the Word 