Proverbs 2:6-11
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, . . . “
Wisdom can be defined as the proper application of knowledge in any given situation, or simply knowing what to do. We have all felt, at times, that we do not know what to do. We are faced with a problem, and are crippled with indecision. It is comforting to know, God promises to give wisdom to His children. The question that remains is, how do I get my hands on the wisdom He has? There are at least three simple steps.
First, we must understand there is a difference between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of this world. Not all advice is godly, and not every direction will lead us closer to Him.
Second, we must cry out to God for His wisdom. James wrote that if we lack wisdom we must ask Him for it and He will give it to us (James 1:5). Solomon wrote that we should search for it as you would for a precious treasure (Proverbs 2:4). When we do not know what to do, we should look up to Heaven and cry out for help.
2 Chronicles 20:12 “O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
Finally, wisdom is acquired by asking God, and looking into his Word. Since the wisdom of God differs from the wisdom of the world, the means by which we find it, will also differ. Heaven’s wisdom is not found on the TV screen or at the box office. It is rarely listed in the advice columns, or even in university text books. Instead, the wisdom of God is found in the pages of His Word. When Israel was about to enter the Land, God told them, if they followed His Word, the nations around them would be stunned by how brilliant they seemed. They would ask where they acquired such know-how and wisdom. Their answer is recorded for us:
Deuteronomy 4:6 “Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’”
When we apply the Word of God to our lives, we will find that our own lives are better, and we become a witnessing tool to those around us. Let’s be careful to seek wisdom as a precious treasure.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 2
1. How are we to search for wisdom and understanding?
2. When you do this, you will understand the fear of the Lord, verse 5. Do you understand the fear of the Lord? Proverbs 1:7, 3:7, Deuteronomy 6:2, 10:12, Psalm 115:11, 1Peter 3:15
3. How is the “immoral woman” described? Where does her house lead?
4. Verse 19 may be described in our vernacular: the innocence lost is never regained. Sin can bring on consequences as described in chapter 1 when we do not listen to wisdoms call. Never forget 1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:28. Are there things in your life you need to confess to the Lord? Take time now to lay it at the feet of Jesus. 2Corinthians 5:17, be obedient allow Him to cleanse you!
5. Verses 20-23 again show us what happens if we seek wisdom or try to do it without God’s help. Which choice will you make?
Old Testament:
Daniel 11- Times Like These
Daniel 12- The Shining
Jim Gallagher 