The author of the book of Proverbs personifies wisdom as a noble, beautiful, and helpful woman. (Proverbs 1:1-3) This is in contrast to the foolish, wicked, immoral, and dangerous woman described in chapter 7. (Proverbs 7) Obviously, the author prophetically points to the Church, the Bride of Christ. The Church calls out to people to heed wisdom, accept prudence, and get understanding.
Cry out: While an immoral woman moves in secret during the night, speaking lies, the Wisdom woman moves publicly, declares truth authentically and authoritatively. The Church is called to declare the glory of God, His righteousness, truth, salvation, power and majesty. The gospel declares the completed work of God in Christ for the salvation of those who believe.
Top of the high hill: The Gospel message is preached widely, moving in all directions. Like the lighthouse that shows the path to ships sailing on oceans, the Church gives light, guidance and direction to the world. The Christian community is like the city on a hill, seen from faraway places. (Matthew 5: 14) Those who live in spiritual darkness could see the light and choose to walk in that light.
Street-level call: Wisdom of God is relevant. It is for all people, including ordinary people. God’s wisdom is not confined to academic classrooms, libraries or research institutes. If it is proclaimed only on the hills, many people could not climb the hills. The Gospel reaches to all streets and all homes. God promised Abraham that through him all families would be blessed. (Genesis 12; 3)
Not limited to buildings: The gospel is not just preached in the churches; it is preached everywhere. On Sundays there would be church gatherings, but throughout the week, the believers are in the neighbourhoods, institutions, offices, shops, malls, restaurants, and all over. Missionaries take the gospel to remote corners of the earth. They take it to deserts, jungles, hilly terrain, valleys, cities, villages, islands…They use all modes of transport, varying from walking, cycling, riding horses, rowing boats, climbing mountains on ponies, and taking flights.
Am I wise to declare the wisdom, which is the gospel?