Proverbs 3:5-6: “Adding Up God's Direction”

(5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Verses 5-6 present one of the most beautiful truths in the Word of God: that God will guide you through life. God is a personal God and very interested in your life. But before we get there, let’s look at the three parts to having God’s guidance.

These two verses could be written as a mathematical formula: (Trust in the Lord with all your heart + lean not on your own understanding) + in all your ways acknowledge Him = He shall direct your paths.

The couplet in verse 5 shows the importance of not relying on worldly wisdom. God’s ways are much different than our ways. If we do not trust Him completely, forsaking our own understanding, we will not be able to see His guiding. Instead, we will walk down the path of our own choosing, and it would most certainly not be the path that God would have us walk.

To make sure we trust God with all our heart, we are exhorted to acknowledge God in all our ways. This brings the important principle of seeing God at work in all areas of our lives. We may not understand what God is doing, but we should be aware that God is acting and acknowledge that it is indeed God who is at work. This is very important when trials come our way. When life is difficult, we frequently want to complain. However, instead of grumbling or complaining, we should thank God for acting in our lives, remembering that God is sovereign and will always do what is best for us.

The word “acknowledge” comes from the Hebrew word YADA and the word primarily means “to know relationally or experientially.” In all our ways we are “to know Him relationally.” We are to maintain a relationship with God through all circumstances, trusting Him, following Him. As we maintain our relationship with God through Bible study, prayer, and meditation, we will know His direction for our life.

 

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Related Scriptures: Mat. 6:33; 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17

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“Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable. How many hours are there in a mile? Is yellow square or round? Probably half the questions we ask--half our great theological and metaphysical problems--are like that.” ~ C. S. Lewis - A Grief Observed

Proverbs 3:1-4 “Faithfulness to the Father’s Teaching”

(1) My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; (2) for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.

(3) Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, (4) and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.

Chapter 3 begins with the 3^rd appeal by the father to his son, which covers verses 1-12. This appeal includes six sets of instructions. The first two sets (v. 1-4) is an exhortation to remain faithful to the father’s teaching. The last four sets (v. 5-12) is an exhortation to remain faithful to the Lord.

In the first of instructions (v. 1-2), the father urges his son not only to remember his teaching, but to put into practice the wisdom that has been taught. By living according to wise principles, the son will reap three benefits.

1. Length of days – This phrase speaks of a life lived in and satisfied only in the Lord (Deuteronomy 30:20). This life is given to those who walk in obedience (Psalm 91:16; Proverbs 3:2) and wisdom (Proverbs 3:16).
2. Long life – This includes both a life with many years and a life worth living.
3. Peace – Even though your life will be long, it will not be burdensome. You will have inward tranquility. Indeed, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind.

In the second set of instructions, the wise father appeals to his son not to forsake mercy and truth. Mercy and truth are to be applied externally (“bind them around your neck”) and internally (“write them on the tablet of your heart”).

The external application of mercy is performing good and charitable acts to others. The internal application is development the Godly character of mercy, of lovingkindness. This is given to those who keep His covenants and His testimonies. (Psalm 25:10)

The external application of truth is faithfulness, obedience to God by walking in His commands. The internal application is the rejection of all falsehood and hypocrisy of character.

As mercy and truth increase in your life, you will reap benefits in your relationship with both God and man. A wise man desires and seeks the favor of God and also wishes to have the favor man. These were characteristic of our Lord (Luke 2:52).

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Related Scriptures: Mat. 23:23; 1 Peter 3:3-4

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“Being all fashioned of the self-same dust, let us be merciful as well as just.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Proverbs 2:20-22 “Wisdom Blessing #5: Righteous Living”

 (20) So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. (21) For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; (22) but the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.

At the beginning of the chapter, the father tells the son how to gain wisdom. Desire, diligence, and effort exerted over time are some of the keys to gaining wisdom. It is not gained quickly or easily. Now, the father describes wisdom’s fifth reward. Wisdom will keep you in the way of goodness and to the paths of righteousness. This is no doubt the best path to be on throughout life as this path will allow you to dwell and remain in the land.

However, this speaks about more than just your life, it speaks toward the inheritance which the righteous will pass on. Wisdom’s enduring nature is seen as being passed on from generation to generation. This is what is happening in the book of Proverbs. The father who has wisdom is teaching his son wisdom so that it will be passed on to the next generation. The effort put forth to gain wisdom produces a more than a lifetime of fruit. It reaches into the next generation so they can receive its blessings.

However, the other path – the path of the fool, the one who rejects God and His ways – leads to death (see v. 18-19). These wicked men will be cut off and uprooted from the earth. There will be no enduring blessings, no lasting happiness, and no bright future.

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Related Scriptures: Psalm 37:9-34; Matthew 5:5

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He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. – Psalms 25:13-14

Proverbs 2:16-19 “Wisdom Blessing #4: Protection from the Evil Woman”

(16) To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words, (17) who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God. (18) For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead; (19) none who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life

She’s beautiful. She’s giving you a lot of attention. She wants more. A lot more.

You have desires. You have needs. You want more. A lot more.

How will you resist her temptation? You probably won’t. You’ve already gone far. You’ve already let your mind go down the wrong path. You have given into lust and it is now controlling your thoughts. You have already put yourself in a compromising position.

How does wisdom deliver you from the immoral woman? When the seductress begins to flatter you, wisdom sends up the red flags. You never allow your mind to dwell on her, her words, or her physical beauty. Wisdom is stopping it before it gets started. Wisdom allows you to recognize that she does not have your best interest in mind. She wants what she can get out of you. Wisdom allows you to recognize the consequences of going down this path before you ever set foot on this path. Momentary pleasure = Lifetime of suffering.

She has abandon previous lovers. She has abandon God. She will derail you from the right path, causing you to leave God. In the end, she will bring you more misery than you ever thought possible. You will never recover. Momentary pleasure = Lifetime of suffering. Is it really worth it?

Proverbs provides two lengthy descriptions of the immoral woman and the results of giving in to her words. They are listed below and worthy of your time to read and understand them. Inoculate yourself now so that when the temptation comes, you will be able to flee.

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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 5:3-20; 7:5-23; 1 Corinthians 6:18

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What makes resisting temptation difficult for many people is they don't want to discourage it completely.

Proverbs 2:12-15 “Wisdom Blessing #3: Protection from the Evil Man”

(12) To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things,  (13) from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness;  (14) who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked;  (15) whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths. 


The first two blessings of wisdom are knowing God & discernment for living. Wisdom now provides its third blessing: protection from evil men and their perverse paths. If the young man has heeded his fathers exhortation to learn wisdom, when the wicked, perverse man comes, the wisdom the young man has stored up will recognize the wicked man and guide the son away.

Who is this wicked man? When you read this, you may picture a hunched over, gangly, old man. I don’t think that is who this wise father is warning his son about. The son is young and is making friends. The wise father is most likely warning his son to be careful of his peers, those who are his own age. Those are the ones he is most likely to be tempted by. They pose the greatest danger as the young man begins to make friends that will influence the course of his life. Wicked men don't come with a warning sign around their neck stating that they are wicked, will ruin your life, and you need to avoid them. They come, sound enticing, and offer fun. However, wisdom learned in earlier times will send the warning so that you are not lured away. These are the type of young men that you must avoid and not associate with. This is one of the ways wisdom will preserve you (see v. 11).
These are the wicked men that come and offer their version of ‘fun.’ This ‘fun’ is at the expense of others. Their speech is wicked, a sure indication of what is in their heart. These wicked men have no interest in walking rightly, only in darkness. The delight in doing evil and in the perversity of others. They follow the path that leads to destruction. They have no interest in or fear of the Lord. They enjoy their wickedness and desire to bring others to join  their wickedness. Their paths are in direct contrast to the right paths wisdom will guide you in (see v. 9).
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Related Scriptures: Acts 20:30
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Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” - 1 Corinthians 15:33

Proverbs 2:9-11 “Wisdom Blessing #2: Discernment for Living”

(9) Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. (10) When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, (11) discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you.

These three verses give the next progressive blessing for the young man pursuing wisdom: discernment for living. Verse 9 starts off with the word ‘then’ indicating that this does not occur until what was previously stated occurs. Only after you gain a fear of the Lord and God grants your desires for more wisdom (v. 5-8), will you develop discernment for living your life. It is important not to reverse the order of the fear of the Lord and wise living. A person may live a good life, but without the fear of the Lord, without salvation, his good decisions will be limited to this world and his eternity will be spent separated from his Creator in the eternal fires of hell. So true is the Scripture “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) Wisdom must begin with the fear of the Lord.

The parts of this blessing include an understanding of righteousness, justice, equity, viz., every good path. (If you will recall, this is one of the objectives of the book of Proverbs - see 1:2-6). The word ‘path’ is used metaphorically for the course a person chooses for his life. Wisdom provides the insight to choose every good path, thus developing a lifestyle that follows a course, i.e. consistently chooses, of what is morally correct.

The wise father now explains the reason for this understanding. As you put wisdom in your heart (v. 1-4), this knowledge becomes ‘pleasant to your soul.’ Choosing every good path becomes natural and pleasant because you (1) know what is right, (2) understand the advantage of doing right, and (3) discern the consequences of not choosing the right path. This discretion protects you from evil because it keeps you on the good path.

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Related Scriptures: Psalm 32:8; 119:105; Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:6

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“[Wisdom] saves the good man from the consequences of naiveté.” - William McKane

Proverbs 2:5-8 “Wisdom Blessing #1: Knowledge of God & His Protection”

(5) Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (6) For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (7) He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; (8) He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints.

In the first four verses of the chapter, the wise father has appealed to the son to receive wisdom, meditate on wisdom, cry out for wisdom, and pursue wisdom. He now moves into the blessings that wisdom bestows on those who seek her. Here is a summary of the 5 Wisdom Blessings given in this chapter.

1.   Knowledge of God & God’s protection (v. 5-8)

2.   Discernment for Living (v. 9-11)

3.   Protection from Evil Men (v. 12-14)

4.   Protection from Evil Women (v. 16-19)

5.   Righteous Living (v. 20-22)

The blessings are given in the order a young man would need them. Wisdom’s first blessing is knowing God, which has several parts. The parts include the fear of the Lord, the knowledge of God, receiving additional wisdom, protection and preservation.

This blessing is the foundation of all the other blessings. In fact, this blessing is actually the foundation of wisdom itself. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7 & 9:10) The first realization that you are becoming wise is when you realize that you are beginning to fear the Lord.

What is the “fear of the Lord?” First and foremost, understand that the fear of the Lord is a positive quality. We typically think of fear in negative terms, but this is a different kind of fear. Exodus 20:20 states that this fear recognizes God’s good intentions and prevents sin. It provides confidence (Proverbs 14:26) and a good night’s sleep (Proverbs 19:23). C. I. Scofield called the fear of the Lord “Old Testament piety, meaning reverential trust, with hatred of evil.” (See Job 28:28) To distinguish the ‘fear’ in “fear of the Lord” from ‘fear’ as in afraid or terror, think of it as ‘holy fear.’ Two verses lend to this concept. “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” (Psalm 2:11) & “But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; in fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.” (Psalm 5:7) As you begin to recognize Who God is, you gain the fear of the Lord and tremble at His greatness which leads to rejoicing and worship! Wow! This is the beginning of wisdom and is the first benefit of having wisdom: a right relationship with the Most High God, your Creator.

Note that the Lord Himself gives wisdom. God wants you to know Him. he wants you to see His glory and rejoice in Him. He reveals Himself to you. He gives you more wisdom, helping you come to greater knowledge and understanding of Him, so that you will rejoice in Him even more. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him.” (Psalm 34:8) God has actually stored up sound wisdom for you so that you can know Him even better. That is why the father exhorts his son to seek wisdom as silver and search for her as for hidden treasure. That is how you receive the wonderful wisdom God has stored up for you.

But this first blessing of wisdom doesn’t end with knowing God, or fearing the Lord, or even with receiving God’s stores of wisdom. It continues with the promise that God will protect you as you walk uprightly. He guards your just paths. He preserves your way.

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Related Scriptures: Daniel 1:17; Jeremiah 9:24; James 3:17

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And to man He said, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.” - Job 28:28

Proverbs 2:1-4 “The Admonition to Receive Wisdom”

(1) My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you,

(2) So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;

(3) Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding,

(4) If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures…

In these four verses, comprising the second of the 10 appeals from the father, the wise father presents the progression of gaining wisdom. In the rest of the chapter, he notes 5 benefits of gaining wisdom. Here is the progression of gaining wisdom presented in verses 1-4

1.   Reception of Wisdom

2.   Meditation on Wisdom

3.   Request for more Wisdom

4.   Pursuit of Wisdom

In verse 1, the son is exhorted to receive the lessons from his father and treasure them. Wisdom is hidden in the soul and valued it greatly because it may not be immediately used. However, by treasuring it, by hiding it one’s heart, it will be ready when the time comes that it is needed. Think of it as storing up for a rainy day. Indeed, these are the proper riches to store up.

This will have its effects in the wise son who treasures these words. Once they are in his heart, they will affect his attitudes, which will affect his decisions, which will affect his future actions.

Verse 2 presents the next step after receiving the words of wisdom: meditating on them. Inclining the ear means to pay close attention. “Apply your heart to understanding” means ‘to turn’ to understanding. The son is to listen carefully and to apply, i.e. to turn, his heart toward the teaching in order to fully understand. This is meditation. This patient ruminating on lessons the father has taught ingrains wisdom and leads to success. The ear hears & the mind (heart) applies.

In verse 2, the ear and mind were involved. Now the mouth is involved in crying out and lifting up for wisdom. It is appropriate both to ask those who are older and wiser to help you understand and also to pray to God for understanding of what you are meditating on. This verse is actually more intense than asking, you are to “cry out” for discernment.” If it does not come immediately, do not quit. This verse tells you to intensify your request by lifting up your voice. Wisdom is not easily acquired. Effort and patience are required, which brings us to verse 4.

The father now gives the last step in the progression of gaining wisdom – pursuing wisdom. There are two concepts shown here. First of all is the value of that which is being sought. Wisdom has intrinsic value like silver. The second concept in this simile is the diligence in the search. Wisdom is like ‘hidden’ treasure. It is not available unless you search for it. You must expend the effort to reap the reward.

I have one last thought regarding this progression of wisdom. Gaining wisdom also develops good character. For example, verse 1 requires attentiveness to what is being taught. Verse 2 requires diligence to meditate on the words of the father in order to gain understanding. Verse 3 requires persistence not to give up if understanding doesn’t come right away. Finally, verse 4 demands patience to keep seeking and searching. Of course, there are many other character traits that can be applied. The point is that as you acquire wisdom, you will also be developing good character.

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Related Scriptures: Psalm 119:9-11; Matthew 6:19-21; 13:9; James 1:5

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“A prudent question is one-half of wisdom.” – Francis Bacon

Proverbs 1:32-33 “Lady Wisdom’s First Appeal, Part 3: The Reason”

(32) “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; (33) but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Lady Wisdom has given her plea to repent of neglecting the Word of God. She has given her warning that you will reap what you sow if you ignore her plea. She now gives the reason for listening to her plea.

Lady Wisdom first gives two results of rejecting her plea.

1.   Wisdom called the simple to turn to her (v. 23) but instead they turn away and it “will slay them.” The fool thinks he can reject God (Psalm 14:1) without consequences. This rejection will lead to their eternal destruction.

2.   These fools remain complacent, secure in their worldliness. The presume upon the kindness of God. This will also lead to their eternal destruction.

By way of stark contrast, Lady Wisdom now gives the results of listening to her:

1.   Dwell safely – The Believer has the protection of heaven (Psalm 121; 91:3-7; Joshua 1:5)

2.   Be secure without fear of evil – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” (Psalm 46:1-3)

As Proverbs 1 concludes, we are present once again with the two paths: the path of the fool and the path of wisdom. The path of the fool seems appealing at first and the path of wisdom seems arduous. In the end however, the path of wisdom is the only path that provides safety, security, and happiness.

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Related Scriptures: Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 1:24 & 30

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“Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3;

Proverbs 1:24-30 “Lady Wisdom’s First Appeal, Part 2: The Warning”

(24) “Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, (25) because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke, (26) I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, (27) when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. (28) Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me, 29 because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, (30) they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.” (31) Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies.

In this second part of Lady Wisdom’s appeal, the warning for not heeding her appeal is given. When Lady Wisdom first appealed to the simple, they rejected her completely. She called, but they refused her. She stretched out her hands to rescue them, but they had no regard for this merciful act. She offered them wise counsel so they would change the direction they were heading, but they disdained her words. They would have none of her rebuke. Instead of choosing the path of wisdom, they have chosen the path of the fool (1:7).

What happens now is a direct result of the path they have chosen. The accumulation of unwise decisions now brings calamity, terror, destruction, distress, and anguish. Do not miss the great principle of this passage: they are reaping what they have sown. The disaster is a direct result of their rejection of wisdom as shown by verse 31: “Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies.”

When the disaster hits, the fool realizes he has no idea what to do to solve his problems. But it is too late. Now he wants wisdom, but he will not get it. Wisdom must be gained day by day, built upon over time. Wisdom now laughs at the fool. He calls out to gain wisdom, but wisdom does not answer.

Why doesn’t wisdom answer? Verse 7 states “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The fool did not choose the fear of the Lord then, nor does he choose it now. He wants a wise answer to his problems, but he wants it without the Lord. It can’t happen. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Rejecting the Lord means rejecting wisdom, for there is no wisdom apart from the Lord. By not choosing to fear the Lord, the fool is despising Lady Wisdom’s rebuke, which was to repent from neglecting the Word of God. There is no hope for gaining wisdom if God and His word are rejected. The rejecter must then “eat the fruit of their own way” without help from God, whom he has rejected, or from wisdom, whom he has also rejected by rejecting God.

(The painting is “The Sower” by Jean Francois Millet – 1850)

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Related Scriptures: Isaiah 3:10-11; Jeremiah 2:19; Galatians 6:7-8

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“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” – Galatians 6:7-8

Proverbs 1:20-23 “Lady Wisdom’s First Appeal, Part 1: The Plea”

(20) Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares. (21) She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words: (22) “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. (23) Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.”

In verses 20-33, we have the first of two appeals from Lady Wisdom. (Four times in Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a noble lady that should be pursued 1:20-33; 3:13-20; 8:1-36; 9:1-18.) Similar to the Father’s appeal in verses 8-19, this appeal has three parts:

1. The Plea (v. 20-23)

2. The Warning (v. 24-29)

3. The Reason (v. 30-33)

The first principle to note is that Wisdom is not hidden. Observe the following:

1.   She wants to be found so she “calls aloud”, “raises her voice”, “cries out”, and “speaks her words”.

2.   She wants to be found so her pleas are in public places where people are. She is “outside”, “in the open squares”, “in the chief concourses”, and “at the openings of the gates of the city”.

Who is Lady Wisdom’s plea for? The plea is for the “simple ones.” She rebukes them, asking how long they will love being simple? Lady Wisdom points out that the simple cannot remain in that state for ever. They will turn into scorners and fools. The simple stand at two paths that diverge (1:7) and must choose which path to follow. Lady Wisdom beckons the simple to follow her, to turn at her rebuke. If so, Lady Wisdom will pour out her spirit, making her words known to the simple one and thereby converting him into a wise man.

It is important to note at this early stage in Proverbs that Wisdom represents the entire counsel of God’s Word, not just these Proverbs. The truth that the Word of God will convert the soul and make one wise is attested throughout Scripture.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7)

“The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)

Therefore, the plea of Lady Wisdom is to repent [“turn at my rebuke”] of neglecting the Word of God.

(Since there is much to learn here, each part will stand as its own post. The next post will discuss the warning for rejecting Lady Wisdom’s plea.)

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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 10:17; Revelation 3:19

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 “Very few men are wise by their own counsel, or learned by their own teaching; for he that was only taught by himself had a fool as his master.” – Ben Jonson

Proverbs 1:8-19 “A Wise Father Instructs a Son to be Wise”

My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit; we shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil; cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse” – my son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird; but they lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners.

The first nine chapters of Proverbs include ten appeals from a father to his son. This first appeal is the typical format: the wise and loving father exhorts his son to pay close attention to the following instructions. The son is to esteem these lessons as a highly valued possession that is designed for his benefit.

This first appeal comes from both the father and mother as they exhort their son not join those greedy for gain. There are three sections to the wise father’s instruction.

First, the parents give the situation. The son is approached by a group of his peers who try to convince the son to join the group. This is peer pressure to join the ‘in crowd.’ These would-be friends promise companionship and all kinds of precious possessions. They entice with their words “Sure, we’ll have to break a few laws, but think of all the money we’ll have. You don’t have to do it alone, we’ll do it together.” The father wisely does this to point out the temptations so the son won’t be caught off guard.

The second part of the appeal is the warning to unequivocally reject any and all pleas from this ungodly crowd. The father’s words: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path.”

The third section of the instructions is the reasons for doing so. In this case, the sinners run to evil for their gain and trap themselves, running their own lives. The son can now recognize that even though he might gain some so-called friends and quick cash, he will embark on the path of the fool, the path of destruction. He will ultimately destroy his own life and losing both his friends and treasures.

While children should heed the instructions of their parents, the wise parents realize the importance of explaining the reasoning behind such instruction. The explanation will give the complete picture and thereby help keep the truth in the soul. This connects knowledge with understanding, both of which are aspects of wisdom.

(The lower painting is “The Rich Fool” by Rembrandt, 1627. See Luke 12:20)

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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 13:20; Psalm 1:1; Romans 16:18; Ephesians 5:11

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“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

Proverbs 1:7 “Two Paths”

Thee fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Two paths are described in this verse. The two paths are the path of the wise and the path of the fool. These paths are described and developed from this verse through chapter 9.

For the first path of wisdom, Solomon starts at the beginning. The first step to true wisdom and knowledge is the fear of the Lord. Knowledge without a reverence toward God is not useful and leads only to false conclusions and pride. (Compare Ecclesiastes 1:18 with Ecclesiastes 2:26 & 7:12.)

Knowledge is to knowing with certainty, to understand clearly. Often, we gain our knowledge through teaching from another person. It is not unusual for us to say we know things, meaning we have been taught them. We are relying on the veracity of the teacher or the informer. This is why the fear of the Lord is so important in knowledge. What we learn from God, from His Word – the Bible – can be trusted with absolute certainty. The veracity of the Bible is never in question for it is the very words of God. Study it, and you will gain real knowledge.

Of course, the second path is the path of the fool. “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 14:1 & 53:1) “The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.” (Psalm 10:4) Because the wicked man, the fool, is proud and refuses to acknowledge God, he must gain his knowledge from that which is around him. Romans 1:20-22 explains how this happens: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.”

If you have trouble receiving instruction (correction & discipline) or prefer entertainment to gaining wisdom, please heed the warnings given in these verses. It is never too late to change direction in life. The choice is yours. You have the Word of God, read it, learn the fear of the Lord, for that is the beginning of wisdom, and the first step to becoming wise.

(The painting is “King Lear and the Fool in a Storm” by William Dyce, circa 1851)

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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 9:10; 10:14; 17:27; 24:3-4

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“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot

Proverbs 1:1-6 “A Rightly Steered Life”

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: to know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles.

Most of the book of Proverbs was written by Solomon to pass wisdom on to his sons. Solomon begins by giving his sons the purpose and objectives of his writing:

1. To know wisdom and instruction.
2. To perceive the words of understanding.
3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity.
4. To give prudence to the simple.
5. To give knowledge and discretion to young men.

Solomon doesn’t want his son to simply hear what he is about to say. He wants his son to meditate on these Proverbs so as not to forget them. The young man who pays attention and internalizes these truths will be greatly blessed. (Proverbs 8:32-34; Psalm 1:1-4; 119:1-2)

However, these Proverbs are not only for young men. Solomon points out that all wise men and men of understanding can benefit by attaining wise counsel. We often think we know more than we do. Gaining wisdom requires enough humility to realize that you need to ask questions.

Albert Barnes notes that the phrase “will attain wise counsels,” means literally, the power to “steer” his course rightly on the dangerous seas of life. Certainly Solomon, as all parents, want there children to be able to steer their lives with wisdom throughout their lives. “Steering your life rightly” is the goal of Proverbs. If you pay attention, you will learn to steer the greatest ship of all: the ship of your life.

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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 1:7;10:1; Psalm 1:1-4

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 “To admit ignorance is to exhibit wisdom.” – Ashley Montagu

Proverbs 8:32-35 “The Blessings of Wisdom”

“Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.”

The blessings of wisdom come naturally. As you seek wisdom and learn to be wise, wisdom will guide you in right decisions which will lead to blessing. Blessings are a by-product of wise living.

There are constant opportunities to learn to be wise. Instruction can come from the Bible (especially the Bible), parents, your pastor, etc. When you hear instruction you have two paths: be wise or disdain it.

The first path is the one where you listen to it and learn from it. You are choosing to be wise. You are the blessed man who listens, watches, and waits for wisdom. You are anxious to fill your life with wisdom. You have a love for wisdom. You will find life and obtain favor from the Lord.

The second path you can take when you hear instruction is to disdain it. If you choose to disdain instruction, you will be the man at the end of the passage who sins against wisdom. You wrong your own soul. You will not find blessings because you hated wisdom, which is the same as loving death.

It is hard to understand why someone would choose the second path, but it happens with most people. Pride may cause someone not to listen to instruction. This person may think they know it all & therefore refuse to listen. This is frequently seen in rebellious teenagers who arrogantly refuse to listen to their parents. But it is also seen in Christians, who refuse to listen to God. They hate hearing the Bible taught and instead want someone to ‘tickle their ears’ with feel good messages. These Christians will never become wise.

Another reason some people choose the second path and disdain wisdom is because they are lazy. The attitude here is that they want wisdom now. But wisdom comes over time. You must seek wisdom diligently and patiently. You must “listen, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” It takes work of the long haul. Few Christians are willing to spend lots of time in the Word of God studying to show themselves approved. But the effort required pales in comparison to the riches you will gain for doing so.

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Related Scriptures: Psalm 27:4; Proverbs 3:13-18; Acts 17:11; Romans 10:16-17

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But goodness alone is never enough. A hard cold wisdom is required, too, for goodness to accomplish good. Goodness without wisdom invariably accomplishes evil. – Robert Heinlein