Proverbs 8:3 (Mini Sermon)

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3. Pro 8:3 - She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. A. She crieth at the gates, i. Wisdom cries in places where men congregate. ii. Cry v. - 1. trans. To entreat, beg, beseech, implore, in a loud and emoved or excited voice. iii. Gate n. - 1. An opening in a wall, made for the purpose of entrance and exit, and capable of being closed by a movable barrier, the existence of which is usually implied; said with reference to a city or other enclosure, or the enclosure-wall of a large building, formerly also to the bulding itself, where door or doors is now commonly employed. 2. In Biblical phraseology, after Hebrew; ellipt. for gate(s) of the city as a place of judicial assembly. iv. "The gateways of walled cities, as well as the open spaces near them, were popular places to resort, being vaulted and cool, and convenient for the meeting of friends, or for a view of strangers, since all who went in or out must pass that way. They often resembled large stone halls, and had sufficient area to accommodate large assemblages. There the people assembled at the close of the day to tell the news, and to discuss various topics of interest." (James M. Freeman, Manners and Customs of the Bible, p. 20) v. Crying at the gates would have given wisdom access to the most amount of people at one time. vi. This implies that God wants wisdom disseminated to all men everywhere (Act 17:30). B. at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. i. The gate was a crowded place where people assembled as they entered a city (Pro 1:21). ii. Concourse n. - 1. a. The running or flocking together of people; the condition or state of being so gathered together. iii. The gate of the city was one of the most important places for wisdom to cry due to the activities which took place there such as the following. a. The law was often read at the gates (Neh 8:1-3). b. Prophets prophesied at the gates (Jer 17:19-20; Jer 26:10-11). c. Court was held at the gates (Deut 16:18; Rut 4:9-11; 2Sa 15:2). d. Reproof was given in the gate (Isa 29:21; Amo 5:10). e. Gossip was shared (Psa 69:12). f. The word of God either facilitates or regulates all of these things. iv. Men in Israel would have had no excuse for not hearing the wisdom of God because she cried from the mouths of men where they congregated. v. Today wisdom cries in churches, on the radio, the TV, and the internet where all men have opportunity to hear her if they desire to.