Get Wisdom

Aug 7.  Wisdom

Solomon tells us in the first 6 verses why the book of Proverbs was written.  Proverbs gives us practical ways to exhibit God’s character in our daily lives.  Let’s take a look at some of these ways.  In verses 2-6 we find the following. First, “for gaining wisdom and instruction”.  The Hebrew word used here for “instruction” has the meaning of discipline or chastening, it is seen in a parent correcting a child to help build their character. God is always working in His children to develop and grow them.  Next word is, “understanding” it means to have discernment. To see things and grasp or discern what is truth and what is not. “Prudence” is the ability to take what you have discerned and show, “shrewdness or craftiness” the ability to think through and come up with a wise plan or decision. Prudence goes along with “discretion”, again referring to the ability to devise wise plans.  “Knowledge” is from the Hebrew, meaning skilled at something.  In Genesis its used to describe a skilled hunter and in I Samuel it refers to someone skilled at musical instruments.  The last two words are “learning and counsel”, learning being the concept of our mind acquiring new information. And counsel is the seeking of wise guidance.  These words will be found over and over in Proverbs and when put together give us, “Wisdom”.  

“for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:2-7 NIV

As we read thru Proverbs we should be on the lookout for these words.  When we see them let us recall what the word means, this will help our understanding of verses.  One more thing I think we should be on the watch for.  When we see the phrase, “my son” or we could read it “my daughter” which ever applies to you.  When I see this phrase two things come to my mind, first is the role of a godly parent lovingly passing on truths to their children.  So for all of us parents let us not neglect our duty to instruct our children. 

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NIV

Secondly there is more than just the voice of an earthly parent heard here.  As children of God, I hear the very voice of my Father.  He calls out to me with loving counsel.  His voice calls to us to obtain and store up within our hearts the Wisdom of God.  In order for us to do this we must be serious students of God’s word. Not just curious.  Many people are curious about what the Bible says.  This curiosity does no good until we are willing to become serious with God. We must acknowledge our true condition. We must confess our need for His Son and bow our will to His.  The Son is the Wisdom of God and all our journeys began with the acceptance of the Son. 

God has called us to live a life of Wisdom, in so doing we will bring glory to our God and King.