Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 8:1-11

"Doth not wisdom cry, And understanding put forth her voice? On the top of high places by the way, Where the paths meet, she standeth; Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud: Unto you, O men, I call; And my voice is to the sons of men. O ye simple, understand prudence; And, ye fools, be of an understanding heart. Hear, for I will speak excellent things; And the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, And right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; And knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it." — Proverbs 8:1-11 (ASV)

The will of God is made known by the works of creation, and by the consciences of people, but more clearly by Moses and the prophets. The chief difficulty is to get people to attend to instruction.

Yet attention to the words of Christ will guide the most ignorant into saving knowledge of the truth. Where there is an understanding heart and willingness to receive the truth in love, wisdom is valued above silver and gold.