We’ve just come from a 5-part study of the book of Psalms (see Learning How to worship God: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.) It is only fitting then, that we follow that gift from King David with the gifts of wisdom bestowed upon his son, King Solomon.
So, let us ask ourselves, ‘What is wisdom?’ The word is translated from the Hebrew chakam, meaning ‘intelligent, skillful, artful, and cunning.’ From the Greek saphes, it is translated as ‘to be clear.’ Also, English dictionaries define wisdom as ‘the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgment.’
Thus, if we bring all of that together, wisdom is a (good) character trait that you learn from having experienced what life has to teach you, as well as being able to process these lessons and to astutely apply the beneficial elements, with a mind and heart that is clear
from misconceptions.
King Solomon asked for wisdom from God Himself, who gave more of it to him than anyone else, making him the wisest man on earth, and for all time. He recorded most of that in what is known as the book of Proverbs.
Most of what is written in the book is from direct Holy Spirit inspiration given to King Solomon. Near the end of the book, (30:1 – 33), are proverbs written by ‘Agur’, thought to be a proselyte of the King. Finishing the book, 31:1 – 31) are the words of ‘King Lemuel’ whom nothing is known about but describes his words as an oracle his mother taught him.
The first nine chapters consist of Solomon’s treatise on wisdom itself, beginning with the purpose of the proverbs:
The proverbs (truths obscurely expressed, maxims) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; to discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, to receive instruction in wise behavior and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity; that prudence (good judgment, astute common sense) may be given to the naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], and knowledge and discretion (intelligent discernment) to the youth,the wise will hear and increase their learning, and the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth], To understand a proverb and figure [of speech] or an enigma with its interpretation, And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection].
The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. Pr. 1:1 – 7. AMP
Solomon shifts to warn us to be wise enough to stay away from those who are not:
My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! Pr. 1:8 – 10. NLT
My child don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. They rush to commit evil deeds. Pr. 1:15. NLT
But these people set an ambush for themselves… Pr. 1: 18 NLT
God readily offers wisdom, but most of the people reject it:
Wisdom shouts in the street, she raises her voice in the markets; she calls out at the head of the noisy streets [where large crowds gather]; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks her words:
“How long, O naive ones [you who are easily misled], will you love being simple-minded and undiscerning? How long will scoffers [who ridicule and deride] delight in scoffing, how long will fools [who obstinately mock truth] hate knowledge?” Pr. 1:20 – 22. AMP
“Then they will call upon me (Wisdom), but I will not answer; they will seek me eagerly, but they will not find me, because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord [that is, obeying Him with reverence and awe-filled respect] …” Pr. 1:28, 29. AMP
“But whoever listens to me (Wisdom) will live securely and in confident trust and will be at ease, without fear or dread of evil.” Pr. 1:33 AMP
Wisdom brings you closer to God and His protection:
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! Pr. 2:1 – 6. NLT
He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Pr. 2:8 – 11. NLT
God always rewards His children when they align with Him. The acquisition of wisdom is no exception:
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
for length of days and years of life [worth living] and tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.
Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; bind them [securely] around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Pr. 3:1 – 3. AMP
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Pr. 3:5, 6. AMP
If you stay within your wise godly parameters, you will be able to resist sin, e.g., the sin of lust:
My son, be attentive to my wisdom [godly wisdom learned by costly experience],
Incline your ear to my understanding; that you may exercise discrimination and discretion (good judgment), and your lips may reserve knowledge and answer wisely [to temptation].
For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey [like a honeycomb] and her speech is smoother than oil;
but in the end she is bitter like [the extract of] wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold of Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) … Pr. 51 – 5. AMP
Even laziness is an anathema to wisdom:
Go to the ant, O lazy one; observe her ways and be wise,which, having no chief,
overseer or ruler, she prepares her food in the summer and brings in her provisions [of food for the winter] in the harvest.
How long will you lie down, O lazy one? When will you arise from your sleep [and learn self-discipline]? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to lie down and rest”— so your poverty will come like an approaching prowler who walks [slowly, but surely] and your need [will come] like an armed man [making you helpless]. Pr. 6:6 – 11. AMP
In the end, God’s wisdom is the answer to all things – when you apply it.
Goodnight and God Bless.