Wisdom

Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Instruction, wisdom, understanding, discretion. That's what the Book of Proverbs is all about.  I have to admit there are some Proverbs I have not understood.  Perhaps this time around I will.  I will seek wisdom!

Proverbs 1:5 tells us: A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel...  That says a lot.  How many people want true, wise understanding?  Don't we need it in today's world with all that is transpiring:  healthcare, finances, the global warming issue.  You can add to that list.

So often we notice how the youth of today don't always want to hear or listen to those who are older and wiser.  It seems it's always been that way! "My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother..."  Proverbs 1:8 admonishes.  That may be why the world is as it is.  Left to our own devices we so easily slip into stubbornness of our own hearts (Jeremiah 18:12).

We have seen how people have wandered off to destroy their own lives by not knowing the basic right from wrong.  They are the fools who despise wisdom.  I had to look up the definition of fool: a person lacking in judgment.  It's their way or the highway!  So often they aren't just ruining their own lives but those of family, even friends.  "So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners" (verse 19).

In Proverbs 1 wisdom is likened to a person.  As I read, it sounded more like God calling us to Himself than wisdom speaking to us: Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke...(verses 23-25).  But that's just it.  He IS wisdom. He is the One we should heed, look up to.

Later He responds with what will happen to those who do not heed: Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies (verse 31).  Sounds a bit like Jeremiah above.  For those who seek God's wisdom they will dwell safely and be secure.  It's not by accident we are always shown from Genesis to Revelation the wisdom of God.  Some have been told the Bible is too difficult to understand, some believe it's too narrow in today's "anything goes/tolerant" world.  God has the answers.  They are all right there in His Word.  They are what bring us life. They hold all the wisdom, understanding and instruction if we would take the time to see.

Perhaps this is where people become lost.  They cannot believe that God has all the answers, that His Word is Truth, because He is unseen.  That's all part of trust and faith in an unseen God.

Proverbs 2:10-11 -  When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you...