From Proverbs 1-3
I have overlooked the famous Prov 3.5-6 to focus instead on the introduction to the book. As this introduction sets the stage for the whole book.
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the youth—
5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6 to understand a proverb and a saying,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Pr 1:1–7)
Proverbs is about acquiring wisdom, wisdom for living a blessed life. The introduction states the starting place for finding wisdom – ‘the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge’ (Prov 1.7). So this is where we will start.
What does it mean to fear the LORD? Well as I mentioned in the last post, to ‘fear’ the LORD means to hold him in awe and reverence. It includes the idea of being afraid of him, he is mighty and just, but it is not limited to that – he is good, loving and does great things.
The LORD wants us to listen to him. Be warned then, only ‘fools despise wisdom and instruction’. Keep listening to the LORD. Keep seeking his wisdom.
Story of Jesus
When Paul is dealing with the Corinthians and the wisdom of this world, he says Jesus is the wisdom from God.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Cor 1:22–31)
Jesus Christ is our wisdom. Jesus is the crucified and risen Christ and therefore LORD of all. Its actually through him we have come to fear God and receive instruction through the gospel. Let us give thanks, that as Paul says, even though we may have been the weak and foolish in this world – God chose us to see in Christ what true wisdom is. So what is wisdom then? What are the instructions and advice Jesus gives? Have a look at the gospels and see. Wisdom will speak to you – listen to Jesus.
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights Reserved.
