Proverbs 2 -- REAL Wisdom

There’s so much reference to wisdom and understanding here that a worldly person might simply think that the wisest man who ever lived is talking solely about intellectual prowess and how to achieve it.  The worldly definitions of wisdom and understanding are not what’s being discussed and certainly not what we’re being told to search for.  Verse 5 tells us the truth:  “Then you will understand respect for the Lord, and you will find that you know God.” 

 

DNA from our parents may produce a brilliant intellect, but verse 6 says, “Only the Lord gives wisdom; He gives knowledge and understanding.”  God wouldn’t be giving us wisdom and understanding of evil things.  His gifts focus us back on Him.  Verse 10 tells us that the type of wisdom and knowledge God gives will be pleasing to us.  It will keep us on His path and guard us and protect us.  Worldly wisdom will only inflate our image of ourselves, causing us to believe that we are the end-all, be-all and not God.

 

In verses 12-19, God’s type of wisdom and understanding keeps us from the wicked and saves us from sinful people who only desire to drag us down to their level rather than helping us grow in God.

 

The kind of wisdom Solomon is talking about helps us be good and helps us do what is right.  If instead we find ourselves thinking up ways to justify behavior that isn’t according to God’s word, we can bet that the one giving us that type of wisdom is instead Satan.  He tries to get us to bite into the bait of pride – in our own intellect.  He tells us that our thoughts are superior to others’ – that we are a special case and the rules don’t apply to us because we’re special. 

 

Intellectual elitism is often at the very heart of the liberal movement, and Solomon says those who fall for it are being deceived, falling for exactly the same line that Eve fell for – “and you will be like God!”  That line should be our first clue that we’re seeking the wrong type of wisdom and wisdom for all the wrong reasons.

 

Father, the type of wisdom and knowledge I want is respect for YOU and for who You are.  I want to know You, and in Your word You say, “Now this is eternal life:  that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. (John 17:3)”.  Your wisdom and knowledge represent eternal life now.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford