LEARNING DAILY

 

Proverbs 1:1-7, The proverb of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young – let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance – for understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

 

If we are going to continue studying the book of Proverbs, we need to understand its purpose and define a few terms. The verses above are very clear that every person has something to teach everyone who reads and studies them. However, wisdom is gained only by diligently seeking it. Solomon wrote that wisdom meant to live and think in accordance to God’s righteous truth and ways. That means we are to approach life from God’s point of view, believing that everything God says in His Word is right, true and the only standard by which we live our lives. He is the only One who gives order, meaning and peace to this chaotic world we live in. Lloyd John Ogilvie said, “Wisdom is inspired depth-perception into people and situations. It is the vertical thrust of the mind of God into our minds, making discernment possible on the horizontal level of human affairs. With wisdom we can penetrate the mysteries of God – His nature, plan, and purpose … Wisdom is the gift we need …. In order to do the will of God.” (From the notes in the DJSB).

 

The last statement above refers to the fear of the Lord being the beginning of knowledge. Can we agree that the Lord has all the answers to life? He is the Creator of all things; He spoke everything into existence and could at any time remove everything He created. He is the source of all knowledge and is not contained by time. Take time to really look at what He has created – the earth, the heavens, how they work together, and then look at yourself. You and I are wonderfully made by our Creator. When you consider these things how can you not be in awe of God and His power and majesty? When you do, don’t you wonder why He gives any of us any consideration, that he allows us to be called His children? If you consider this, how can you not be in awe of Him and desire to do His will with a holy reverence and fear of disobeying His Word. It seems to me that this desire to please God is essential to gaining a heart of wisdom.

 

A healthy respect or fear of God can keep us from the consequences of being disobedient to His Word. How often do we try to justify our action? We don’t help those in need because we want to use our finances or time to do something we want to do. Or we take advantage of what rightfully goes to others because of our position. Temptations and trials come that test whether we will be obedient to God or not.

 

The fear of God helps us to willingly follow the rules He has established for those who call themselves Christians. As parents you establish rules for your family to follow because you know that following them will be beneficial to them; it trains them to know that following your rules are for their good. God has established His Word for us to follow because He knows it is the best way for us to live. He tells us to come to Him, ask for forgiveness, repent, and grow in His love. To do that, we diligently seek Him through His Word. When we do, He is found by us and we gain understanding and with that the ability to know what to do with that understanding. That’s wisdom. The Holy Spirit will instruct us day by day to have a heart of wisdom as we read/study/meditate on God’s Word; He will show us how to apply it to specific circumstances and relationships we face where we need wisdom the most.

 

From now on DJSB will be used to note information or quotes from the David Jeremiah Study Bible and LSSB will refer to information and quotes from the Life in the Spirit Study Bible.