Proverbs 2 THE VALUE OF WISDOM It is interesting that in the first seven chapters of Proverbs, the writer speaks specifically to “my son,” indicating that what he was saying was emotionally important to him as well as to his son. A personal heart to heart talk often makes what is said a treasure to remember later, especially if what was said was received gratefully. Wisdom in this chapter is for us, the word of God. It is never to be taken lightly nor should it ever be ignored or considered irrelevant to our present day. To get wisdom one has to go after it. Wisdom comes in at least two ways. One, it is a God-given gift to those who are humble, and another is it is found after an energetic search in the word of God. Earnest prayer, and a desire for understanding go together in seeking for wisdom. We need to make understanding the word of God a goal.
To seek for wisdom is not a casual look here and there in the scriptures for a quick answer to a question. It is an earnest and consistent search for that which is of great value. Hidden truth is not obscure, but it is truth that reaches beyond what is obvious or on the surface of a subject. To find true meaning of a passage of scripture requires careful thought, meditation, comparison with other scriptures, questions, consolidation of information and review. A person who is seriously wanting wisdom will be anxious enough to search for it, and humble enough for God to trust him or her with it.
It is the Lord who gives wisdom that can be understood, articulated and then passed on as knowledge to benefit others as well as ourselves. The qualifying principle necessary for wisdom to be given to a person is to live a godly life, in which fairness is evident in our relationship with other people publicly and also in private. Wisdom from God protects people and promotes justice. It also preserves those who have been willing to receive it from going down wrong roads in life that seem attractive, but they lead away from God.
When we know God and learn from Him, He gives the needed wisdom to those who trust and honor Him. The scriptures of truth reveal the wisdom of God to us so that we make the right decisions and choices, and avoid the snares of the world, the flesh and the devil. If and when we make wrong choices, wisdom gives us the ability to learn from that which we have done that is wrong.
The second part of this chapter begins at verse ten pointing out the search for wisdom will open our minds and hearts to gaining the insight we need. That insight will keep us from pitfalls and will give us the guidance we need, and common sense that can be appropriately applied to any situation. It then follows that because wisdom is desired, sought for, and accepted, a person will be preserved from following evil people whose speech is unclean and whose lifestyle promotes vulgar conversations, suggestive stories and unclean humor, as well as “speaking evil of dignities.” Such people choose the shady and dark side of life. They love darkness and want to live in it.
Those who break laws and try to profit from illegal practices, seem to get a feeling of power and accomplishment when they get away with crimes and are able to get others to do the same. In depraved minds and lifestyle, they find nothing to keep them from doing that which is legally and morally wrong. But it is not only ungodly companions who desire to do wrong that wisdom (the word of God) warns against. There is also sexual temptation. Pride in thinking one is getting away with sin appeals to empty heads. Immoral sexual activity appeals to empty hearts. Wisdom preserves our heads, and love preserves our hearts.
An immoral woman wants her own way, and she also wants to control others, particularly men, who think they are stronger than she. Her immoral strength is stronger than a strong man’s common sense if he does not have divinely imparted wisdom. The practice of sexual immorality is common among those who are not children of God. To lose one’s virginity in a way that is not divinely approved, is to lose something valuable that can never be recovered.
The wise father warns his son, and urges him to live a righteous and pure life until he is married. Those who are upright in life, and moral in words and deeds, will live in the place God intends, doing what He wants, and enjoying it throughout an abundant life. To obey God and listen to wisdom is always best and opens the way to blessings in this life and in the future. By contrast, those who practice evil, who do not tell the truth and are unfaithful to their spouse, will perish, rather than have a place of blessing.
Covenants made and kept are a wonderful blessing, but when they are broken, there are irreversible consequences whether they are made with God, in business life or with one’s spouse. The description of those who desire and follow the path of wisdom, and those who do not yield to the temptation of personal gratification, is that they are good in conduct and practice; righteous in dealing with others; and upright in the sense of being trustworthy. They are perfect in their loyalty and mature in commitment to that which is of God.
Proverbs 2:5, 9. “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God… Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.” THEN. Words heard – commandments hidden – remaining undiscovered: and wisdom waits. The voice is silent – bland eyes wander uselessly – feet remain unmoved: and wisdom waits. A Father’s voice sounds in the silent air – the call is personal, “My son:” and wisdom stirs. A heart is moved, and from it, the spiritual body parts awaken: and wisdom readies itself.
The words spoken and read are received – the commandments hidden inside: and wisdom begins. A voice is heard, asking for information – a voice cries loudly – insistent, “I want to know!”: and wisdom answers. The eyes are focused now – a goal is sighted – searching eyes are looking for every clue: and wisdom comes to light. Feet and eyes are coordinated – the search is on – unstoppable – unrelenting – “I need this treasure.”: And wisdom is given.
Understanding comes revealing its starting point – God Himself – His revealed Word: wisdom in a Person. Reverential respect opens the door – wisdom enters and alongside it comes understanding: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. What has been looked for is now able to be found – not just information: God Himself is wisdom. The knowledge of God – I know Him – I learn from him – I love Him – I have found Him: and I have found wisdom.
Which way is right and which is wrong? How can I start if I don’t know what is the end? questions – and wisdom is in the wings. What is right and what is wrong? How can I discern the solution? more questions – and wisdom is silent. Which decision is fair and which is unfair? How can I decide which motive is right? still more questions – and still wisdom is not moved. Where will this path end? Is this the road to the right goal? questions, questions, questions – and wisdom does not move.
Until in faith the acts of righteousness are carried out – then wisdom affirms the action. Until the right decision is made with God’s principles of judgment – then wisdom accepts the judgment. Until the fairness and charity with impartiality is evident and reached – then wisdom applies its decision. Until the good path is entered and walked and traveled experimentally – then wisdom acknowledges its goals.
“I am afraid, O Father God, that often I wait when I should walk; wonder with questions when I should work. I am learning from these simple words of Proverbs that life doesn’t need to be complicated; just lived in the light of Thy Word. Amen.”