by Bruce Billington

Weekly Devotional 13th of March, 2026

In this session, we will continue to look at Proverbs Chapter Eight. As we read these two verses, we can find some wonderful advice to keep us walking in righteousness.

Proverbs 8:13,17 - “13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate. 17 I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.”

True wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord. Any relationship with wisdom begins with much reverence for Him and His ways. If we walk in genuine fear of the Lord, we will live a life of obedient submission to Him.

Evil conduct, pride, arrogance, and foul speech are listed here as issues that true followers of the Lord must hate. Of all the sins that wisdom could have mentioned, why does she specifically list these? Because people who embrace these wicked traits are the exact opposite of those who pursue wisdom. If we embrace wisdom, we must shun arrogance, evil behaviour, and perverted speech. We need to develop a deep hatred for these sins, a hatred so deep that we will not face the temptation to commit them.

As we observe the world around us, we notice that many people are intelligent, prosperous, and successful from a worldly perspective, yet the presence of these sins in their lives shows they are not living wisely. Wisdom is not for those who wish to make a name for themselves. Because Wisdom emphasises humility, it despises self-exaltation in any form.

Arrogance destroys a relationship with the LORD, perverts order, and leads to unethical behaviour towards one’s neighbour (Psalm 10:2; 17:10; 73:6; 140:5). Other passages describe such traits as “‘despotism, unrighteousness, luxury, and self-conceit’ (Isaiah 2:12; 9:9; 13:11; 14:11; Ezekiel 16:49; Zeph. 3:11).

By contrast, the righteous ask God for protection from the proud (Psalm 31:23; 36:11). This shows the emphasis the Proverbs writer places on this subject. Since the essential quality of wisdom entails hating evil, Wisdom uses the figure “I hate” climactically at the end of the parallel verse to signify that these vices cannot belong with her virtues.

Verse 8:17 – all those who are truly in love with the Lord will allow His teachings to become part of their character. Those who seek Him will always find Him and will receive the full and faithful benefit of His devotion. Speaking in the person of Wisdom, He assures them that she will not leave us or let us down. Wisdom is constant, unchanging, and dependable. If we always love and seek wisdom and always act wisely, we will receive the very best, experience the very best, be strong enough to overcome all obstacles and troubles, and live victoriously throughout life (POSB commentary).

The chapter goes on to say that Wisdom richly blesses those who choose her. She gives riches and honour, enduring wealth, and righteousness to all who esteem her enough to choose and love her (Verse 18). In this instance, riches refer to physical, earthly possessions, things that are of benefit only in this life. In contrast, enduring wealth, or durable riches, speaks of those things that last beyond this life (Matthew 6:19–20). Honour brings with it dignity and respect. And righteousness assures that a person is in a right relationship with God.

In Wisdom’s promises, believers have goods laid up, not for days and years, but for eternity; therefore, her fruit is better than gold.

God bless you.

Bruce Billington