True Wisdom Begins When It Is Valued Above All Other Knowledge (Proverbs 2)

Proverbs 2 is divided into two sections. The first section talks about the promises that come to those who search for wisdom, and the second section focuses on the benefits of wisdom.

The promises given to us are plain as day, and as obviously are hard to ignore. Any heavenly promise given to us are ignored only by the ignorant *or fools, as Solomon likes to call them). The first promise, if we choose to exploit the values of wisdom, is that we will never complain about the things we've lost. In other words, the times of turbulence or confusion that we face (ex. losing a job), won't faze us. It will, in no way, affect us, because our knowledge (spiritual knowledge) is grounded in, well, the Spirit. And with things grounded in something as solid as that, there is no question who is in charge of our situation. That is just one of the promises given to us.

This first section goes on to tell us that if we seek it, we will find it. Let them ask, and it shall be given them. It tells us to take example from the ones that are favored, because they are the upright, the virtuous, the good, the just, the honorable. They are the ones that represent true dependence on God, and we are the ones that MUST make every effort to be the delegates for dependency on God.

The second section of Proverbs 2 (vs. 10-22), tells us that the initial stages of being truly wise, is to steer clear of sin, or the enticement of sin, to run from it until the soles of our shoes are worn out, and our feet are bleeding. If sin has authority over us, not only does it fill every cell of our brain, but it begins to aggravate the heart, and make it easier for temptation to be triumphant. On the other hand, if wisdom has influence over us, then not only does it fill our head, but our hearts are overcome, and it will protect us from the enticement of sin. Verse 20 closes this chapter out nicely, by telling us "that you may walk in the midst of good men, and keep the paths of the upright." Wisdom is telling us to surround ourselves with wisdom. Go figure.

31 days of Proverbs (Proverbs 1)

I've been wanting to start a blog for quite some time now. I'm alone with my thoughts for about 10 hours a day, as I work alone, and as A.D.D. as some of you know I am, you can only imaging the utter torment I go through as thought and idea pass between the black hole that is my brain, never to be heard from again.

The most intense periods of learning that I, personally, go through are born through these thoughts. Whether it is spiritual wisdom or earthly discernment is, at times, hard to tell. Only because Satan likes to blur the lines of our own wit and the omniscience of God. The Proverbs do a great job of expressing timeless truths and wisdom, and make simple, moral statements that teach deep-seated realities about life.

John MacArthur once said about the proverbs of Solomon, "...they arrest one's thoughts, causing the reader to reflect on how one might apply divine principles to life situations. Proverbs contains insights both in poetry and prose; yet, at the same time, it includes commands to be obeyed."

Further study on King Solomon show that as he became King, he sought and received wisdom and knowledge from the Lord, which led him to riches, honor, and fame. Solomon came to write these very principles he followed, and they became over half of the book of Proverbs. So not only is the book of Proverbs a book of witty sayings and truthful obedience principals, but it is a book of testimony that if those principals are followed with diligence, it can lead to blessing and spiritual wealth.

The introduction to the book (Proverbs 1:2-7) says:

2 - To know wisdom and instruction,

To perceive the words of

understanding,

3 - To receive the instruction of wisdom,

Justice, judgment, and equity;

4 - To give prudence to the simple,

To the young man knowledge and discretion.

5 - A wise man will hear and increase learning,

And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

6 - To understand a proverb and an enigma,

The words of the wise and their riddles.

7 - The fear of the Lord is the

beginning of knowledge,

But fools despise wisdom and

instruction.

Verses 8-19 warns us against the attraction of sinners if we fail to embrace wisdom; sin must be rejected by even declining the association that can lead to sin. Sinners tempt and entice the innocent in secret, so as not to be exposed. Which leads us to the drastic difference in foolishness and Wisdom. One of the major differences between verses 8-19 (enticement) and the last half of the chapter (20-33, Wisdom in the first person) is that temptation is concealed and hidden, whereas wisdom, with nothing to hide, is available to everyone.

While it is easy to fall into the entrapment of sin, at the same time, Wisdom is not needing to trap or fool you. It's already there shouting, contending for your attention. The proverbs is pointed mainly to the simple, the scorners or mockers, and the fools. But even they can hear what's being shouted. It's that ignorance of wisdom that makes them what they are. As leaders, hearers of wisdom, it is our job to contend with Wisdom against the enticements of evil for those that don't know better for themselves.

God, I ask for ears open to your Wisdom, and a heart that can receive Your words and emotionally bind them to myself. That when Wisdom calls, I am not deceived by lies, and am quick to answer that call. Thank you for your Holy Spirit, Your love, Your mercy, Your forgiveness, and Your gift of everlasting life.

~Amen