The Architecture of Reality
Does the universe have a moral structure we can actually tap into?
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Proverbs 8:1-9:18
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1Doesn’t wisdom cry out? Doesn’t understanding raise her voice?
2On the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, she stands.
3Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:
4“I call to you men! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.
5You simple, understand prudence! You fools, be of an understanding heart!
6Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.
7For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
9They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.
10Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.
11For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.
12“I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.
13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
14Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.
15By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
16By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
17I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.
18With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.
19My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.
20I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,
21that I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.
22“The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.
23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.
24When there were no depths, I was born, when there were no springs abounding with water.
25Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was born;
26while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
27When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,
28when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,
29when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,
31rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.
32“Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
33Hear instruction, and be wise. Don’t refuse it.
34Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.
35For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor from the LORD.
36But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death.”
1Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.
2She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table.
3She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city:
4“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
5“Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!
6Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.”
7One who corrects a mocker invites insult. One who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
8Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you.
9Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.
12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.
13The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and knows nothing.
14She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways,
16“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
17“Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.