Proverbs 1 (read it slowly and carefully)

Wisdom Defined

What is Wisdom?  Proverbs penned by Solomon, son of David, king of Israel, to his sons and daughters.  Solomon is called the world’s wisest man.  He asked the Lord for wisdom and it was freely given to him by Yahweh.  These proverbs or wise sayings are the things a parent repeats over and over again to a child to get the messages to stick like a needle on a scratched record: to have the voice of one’s mother or father go off in their head when faced with a dilemma.

Proverbs 1 tells us from the “get go” what it required to have wisdom:  To know wisdom, perceive words of understanding, to receive instruction in wisdom, justice, judgment, equity, to give subtlety/prudence (delicately, nuance, nicely) to the simple, to the young man knowledge/discretion, and to understand a proverb, interpretation, words of the wise, “dark sayings,” riddles, or mysteries (things kept secret from the foundation –Matthew 13:35)

Wisdom Lived

It is written, “a truly wise person is one whose first allegiance is to God and who conducts his daily affairs in obedience to God.”  God is the One who is on display in our daily lives: our choices, our words, our actions, our treatment of our fellow man.

The fear of the LORD (awe and respect) is the BEGINNING of knowledge, wisdom, perception, instruction, discretion, learning, understanding, insight).  Verse 23 tells us “He will pour out His Spirit and make known” all He desires for us to know.  But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

We must LISTEN and obey those in authority over us for their instruction and law are the gifts of grace covering you.  Verse 33 says this is how we dwell safely and have no fear (anxiety).

Wisdom’s Example

God’s Incredible Wisdom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBysHFFuvFg

There is always a choice

Solomon tells his offspring to not give in (consent) to those who are up to no good.  In the words of Forrest Gump’s Jenny, “Run, Forrest run!” There is always a choice.  

Failure to heed wisdom has dire consequences: From being laughed at to our despair and calling out to the LORD and Him not hearing us!  Could anything be worse than the plea for help from a child and not being heard by the Father. Heeding wisdom has great rewards.

Proverbs has many “do this, don’t do that” contained and often repeated.  Isn’t this what loving parents do? Is this not the direction we seek?  Is this not wisdom?

Yvonne Jones

Lord God of Heaven,  

Thank you, Your wisdom cries out to be heard from the depths of the ocean to the top of the mountain, from the dark alleys to the halls of justice.  Thank You Father when we listen and turn from our ways to Yours, You pour out Your Spirit and make known Your Word and I understand.  

Help me not rescue those I love from Your reproof!  Let me stay out of the way so they will quickly turn to YOU!

Thank You for these words of wisdom.  You have described wisdom as a woman to be pursued.  Lord this is about a relationship: Me to YOU! You LORD are wisdom and truth and I must listen and follow Your Word.  This is the beginning of knowledge–fear of the LORD Most High.

Lord, teach me Your ways; See if there is any wicked way in me.  Purge me, clean me, make me a pure and holy Bride. I do not want to live outside Your gates but live safely within and without fear.

Father, may I be a living example of wisdom that is pure and holy before my children, grandchildren, family and friends.  Shine through my broken places with the Light of Your Presence.  In Jesus majestic name I pray.

I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uTIqu8G-34

Additional Reading:

Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding