The book of Proverbs was written around 950 BC. Several authors, including King Solomon, wrote it. The proverbs we read in this book are one-liner nuggets of wisdom for dealing with everyday life. Proverbs deals with the most fundamental skill of all: practical righteousness before God in every area of life. Proverbs cover many topics such as how we obtain wisdom and how such wisdom ought to impact our morality.
When we speak of morality, we are referring to wise living or conducting one’s self in a way that is right and true. Every day we are faced with moral or ethical decisions. The question is where do we find the wisdom to live morally?
We find in Proverbs 2:1-10 King Solomon writing to instruct his son. It is wise to listen to the counsel of godly people who have walked the path before us. It is also essential to do so if you desire to walk morally. Solomon is providing us the readers with a tried and true secret to living morally. We are to gain wisdom from God.
Wisdom is the art of learning to succeed in life. It is a philosophical – a thoughtful – study of the real meaning of life. Realizing that the true essence of wisdom is spiritual, it is of no surprise that it comes from God. To receive wisdom will involve observation and instruction, but it really begins with God and one’s faith in Him as Lord and Savior. Therefore wisdom is defined merely as the God-given capacity to understand as well as the ability to apply what is understood to succeed in life. Look at Proverbs 2:1-10. This passage describes how we are to obtain wisdom. We discover that effort must be put forth for one to become wise. Getting wisdom involves openness, retention, hearing, and applying, requesting, and diligent searching. Specifically, the how to obtain wisdom is found in the “ifs” that appear three times in verses 1-4.
Solomon writes: “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding” (Prov 2:1-2). He is instructing us to personally interact with the word of God. This means that we must embrace both the commands as well as the promises of God. We must not only receive, but also retain the word of God, and lodge it in our hearts, that it may always be ready for us.
We receive wisdom when we passionately go to the Lord in prayer. Solomon continues: “if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding” (v. 3). We are to cry out to God in prayer for wisdom. We need to cry out because we know that our God wishes to answer our prayer. Our crying out is a confident declaration that we are hungry – hungry for wisdom. Could it be that wisdom is ours for the asking? When we need directional aid, could it be that it is right there for us? Absolutely! God wants to give you whatever you need to succeed in life.
We receive wisdom when we painstakingly pursue wisdom. Solomon explains: “if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures” (v. 4). Solomon writes that we are to seek wisdom as silver. Search for it like a hidden treasure. Wisdom is to be preferred before all the wealth of this world and laboring in search of it as those who dig in the mines, who undergo great toil and run great hazards, with loyalty and resolution, in pursuit of the ore. Wisdom is ours to seek and find. Through God’s Word and prayer we will receive the great reward of knowing how to live and make decisions that are morally right. We are to seek this wisdom relentlessly.
Solomon then describes the benefit of wisdom. First, he writes, “Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Prov 2:5-6). Wisdom allows us to practice the presence of God more fully. Once we understand that God is the source of wisdom and we seek and obtain it from Him, we come to a level of more freely relating to God. As God directs our steps, we become more confident in Him doing so. One right step builds upon another. Wisdom allows us to practice the presence of God more fully, as well as, project the will of God more completely. As we grow in our relationship with God, we also grow in our ability to take the steps God has called us to take.
Solomon then shares in Proverbs 2:7-10 that wisdom provides a vast amount of moral benefits. It keeps one from evil and moves a person to Christ-likeness. Wisdom is not merely an intellectual understanding, but a matter of the heart deciding to conduct oneself morally. When we seek God to receive the wisdom we need to act rightly or morally God offers protection. God also provides peace. Moral living enables a person to be reasonable with others, to do what is right and just and fair. Moral living is the right path, and God is willing to grant all who ask the wisdom to do so.
It is my honor to serve with each of you. I don’t know what area you may need direction in. Perhaps you are seeking God for wisdom as a parent or spouse. Maybe you are asking God for guidance at work, school or in a friendship. I don’t know what it is you are seeking from God, but I do know that God rewards those who seek wisdom. He directs their paths. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!