Year 8, Day 293: Proverbs 2

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Proverbs 2 continues to be about wisdom.  In fact, David is instructing his son in how to obtain wisdom.  The main that I get out od David’s words is that wisdom is pursued.  Wisdom is not naturally given to anyone.  I have never heard a person say, “Wow, that 2-year-old is really wise.”  For that matter, I’ve honestly never heard anyone say, “Wow, that eighteen-year-old is really wise,” either.  Wisdom is pursued.  It is learned.  It is passed down from generation to generation.  There is no wisdom gene that some people have and others don’t.

What does David say that Solomon must do in order to obtain wisdom? 

• Solomon has to have an attitude of valuing wisdom in his heart.  The first step of genuine pursuit is to value it.
• Solomon needs to ask.  In other words, he needs to pursue mentors who are wise.  Wisdom is taught from person to person.
• Solomon needs to persevere in his pursuit.  He needs to understand that wisdom is often hidden.  We don’t become wise by trying and giving up; we become wise by trying and trying and trying.

It is after David has given this advice that he turns to Solomon and tells him then wisdom will come upon him.  I love how David describes what wisdom will get him.  The person who is wise will understand the fear of the Lord.  That’s the key right there.  Wisdom comes from a genuine fear of the Lord.

It is the fear of the Lord that pulls us back from the brink of sin.  It is the fear of the Lord that allows us to resist temptation.  It is the fear of the Lord that keeps us from planning evil against our brothers and sisters.  It is the fear of the Lord that wills us to value righteousness and justice.  It’s a pretty easy message in the end.  Those who pursue true wisdom will learn to fear the Lord.  That means that those who pursue wisdom will eventually learn to walk in righteousness.

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