To watch the video edition of this devotion, click here.
“My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;” Proverbs 2:1-6
God is wise. He is God, only wise. There is none like Him. God’s wisdom is infinite and perfect. We see His wisdom displayed in His creation, decrees and providence. We find it revealed in His Word. We considered this wonderful attribute of God last week. You can find that here.
This attribute of wisdom is what we refer to as a “communicable” attribute. In other words, God shares this attribute with human beings to some degree. In considering this, we recognize that the attributes God shares with us, in some senses, continue to have incommunicable aspects to them. We are reminded that God is God and we are not. For example, insofar as God’s wisdom is infinite and perfect, we can’t imitate that. However, as image bearers, there is a manner in which we display these attributes by analogy. The kind of wisdom we possess isn’t identical to the wisdom He possesses. However, God is wise and gives us wisdom as well.
God not only gives His creatures the ability to be wise, but He also calls His people to desire wisdom, seek it, get it, and live according to it. We find this to be true in Proverbs 2 and many other passages of Scripture. In Proverbs 2, we see Solomon’s needed instruction to his son, which is much needed for us as well. Take note of these key words of instruction in verses 1-2- “receive my words”, “treasure my commands”, “incline your ear to wisdom”, and “apply your heart to understanding”. In many ways, Solomon is answering the questions, “How does one gain wisdom and live wisely? How does one understand the fear of the Lord? How does one gain true knowledge and understanding?”
These questions and their answers have pressed on through generations in time. Aren’t they valid for us today? Indeed, they are. Maybe you’re asking similar questions, or know others who are. Solomon’s words teach us that in and of ourselves, we would reject his instruction, for we know better. We wouldn’t treasure his commands, seeing little value in them. We wouldn’t listen to wisdom, going the way of the fool. We wouldn’t apply our hearts to godly understanding, but would seek that which is of our own design. Clearly, we need to beware of the heart and mouth of the fool. We need to beware of the lure of the seductress, whose siren call is a path that leads to death (Proverbs 2:18). We need to beware of embracing that which is of the world and not of the Lord. Yet, we have been redeemed in Christ. As the children of God, our Father loves to give us good gifts from above (James 1:17), which include wisdom. So, the call goes forth- seek wisdom, cry out for discernment and understanding.
Positively, what do we need to do? We need to receive, treasure, incline, and apply as Solomon instructs us above. We need to cry out for discernment and understanding (v.3). We aren’t to travel “I’m going to muster wisdom up for myself” street. For we won’t get it. We won’t find it. We are to call out to the living God in prayer for such things. He gives them to us generously when we ask (James 1:5). We need to look upon wisdom to be as precious as silver. We need to be diligent to search for her as if we were searching for hidden treasure (v.4). Note- THEN, as we do so, then we will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Remember, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
My friends, hear God’s call for you to gain wisdom, get knowledge and understanding. Hear the call to understand the fear of the Lord. Of what value do you place on heavenly wisdom? See how important it is today. Be thankful that God doesn’t leave you to your own concoctions and desires that would lead you to the pit. Be thankful for His gift of wisdom and seek it! Cry out to Him and search for it, as He abundantly gives it to those who ask. Dive in to the riches of wisdom contained in His Word. For further study this week, read Proverbs 3, Proverbs 9:10, and James 3:13-18. Prayerfully ask God to apply and work what you read, hear and receive in effective and lasting ways in your life.