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Proverbs 2
WHERE CAN WE FIND WISDOM?
August 28, 2019
But where can wisdom be found and where is the place of understanding? (Job 28:12)
This is the question of Job and the question of the ages and a vital, essential question to ask. Many have sought in multiple places, only to be unrewarded. Job reminds us of where wisdom cannot be found.
It’s not found in MAN
“Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living.” (vs. 13)
It’s not found merely in creation
“The deep says, ‘It is not with me.’ (vs. 14)
It cannot be bought with money.
Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it, nor can silver be weighed as its price. (vs. 15)
It is not found through the animal kingdom
“Thus it is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the birds of the sky.” (vs. 21)
It is not found in Satan’s camp. (They have merely heard of it.)
Abaddon and Death say, ‘With our ears we have heard a report of it.’ (vs. 22)
Wisdom is found in one place, and one place alone.
23 “God understands its way,
And He knows its place.
24 “For He looks to the ends of the earth
And sees everything under the heavens.
25 “When He imparted weight to the wind
And meted out the waters by measure,
26 When He set a limit for the rain
And a course for the thunderbolt,
27 Then He saw it and declared it;
He established it and also searched it out.
28 “And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;
And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”
If you want wisdom, you must humbly, continually look to Him. “Fear” means to reverence, respect, honor—understanding that there is no one else like Him. Such fear of God will lead you to look to Him and He IS wisdom. He “stores up wisdom” for the upright (Proverbs 2) and all you need can be gained through intimacy with Him.
What a tragedy to live a foolish life when wisdom is readily available from our Creator, Redeemer, and Friend!
Storing Up Truths
Scripture Reading — Proverbs 2:1-11
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you . . . then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. — Proverbs 2:1-5
A subtle, amusing cartoon shows a group of church elders, tired from a lengthy discussion. One of them suggests, “I don’t care who broke the wall of Jericho. I move we have it repaired and take the funds from the facilities budget.”
Most Sunday school students know who “broke the wall of Jericho” and what God said about it (see Joshua 6). Yet, considering its subtle point, the cartoon reminds us that biblical knowledge is declining today even where church attendance may be booming.
Storing up God’s commands and turning our ears to his wisdom doesn’t come naturally. It takes regular Bible reading and reflection. Living as disciples of Jesus Christ, we must make the effort to learn God’s Word—his words and commands.
Wise living calls for serious reading of Scripture. It requires learning details about the life of Jesus as told in the gospels. Learning what Jesus said and did will make us appreciate his ultimate sacrifice. It will encourage us to imitate his life, devoted to obeying his Father’s will.
A wise heart and a knowledgeable walk are pleasant to the soul and yield eternal blessings. Can a true disciple desire anything less? Do you?
Prayer
Life-giving God, grant us the desire to learn the truths and teachings in your Word so that our lives will have a compass to steer us in the right direction as your children. In Christ, Amen.vi
Devotion topics: Wisdom, Bible, Books of the Bible, Proverbs
Proverbs 3New Living Translation
Trusting in the Lord
3 My child,[a] never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.[b]
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.
19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
29 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.
31 Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33 The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the upright.
34 The Lord mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.[c]
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!
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