Wisdom is not as elusive as it seems. The Book of Proverbs is a pure work of Wisdom.
Yesterday we discovered that:
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…
Proverbs 1:7
And in Chapter Two, King Solomon gives us the formula to understand the fear of the Lord and to find the knowledge of God. Firstly, there comes an “if”.
The first challenge is to actually accept that the Words of Wisdom you read. To reject them or dismiss them out of hand is at your own peril. At some point you must put your faith in these words of wisdom and trust that that what they say is true. Truth will prevail and anything that is not, will eventually be shown for what it really is. The truth will set you free. Settle that issue now.
The psalmist in Psalms 119:10,11 says, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” He was simply urging young men (and women) to avoid sin by hiding God’s word in their hearts (deep inside the mind).
You can only hide that which you found in the first place. This means you need to read God’s Word — Scripture — His Holy Bible. Read and re-read… it does stick. You do remember what it says… this is what it means to store it up within you.
Turning your ear is about listening. Listening implies obedience.
Applying your heart (mind) to understanding requires discipline. You must be intentional. It is like learning the times tables…it doesn’t happen naturally. You must put the effort into learning your times tables – reading them, writing them out, learning and memorising them by rote/repetition.
Then when you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to call out for help. We can always go to others who may know the answers. As Christians we can ask God for insight.
Imagine a baby that is hungry. It doesn’t just goo goo at you. Instead it begins to cry. And if it doesn’t get what it needs, it ramps up the tempo and volume. Eventually it is at an attention grabbing pitch that can no longer be ignored. How much more persistent must we be?
This is referring to mining. Digging for silver is hard tedious work that pays well when the silver is found. But we must dig deep to find the best nuggets.
This refers to the hidden value. We are motivated, excited and eager to seek out treasure when we realise all that it will do for us. We will go out of our way and get around the obstacles. We will search in every nook and cranny… find it we must!
Do all of these things…
WISDOM = 2x IF + 6 x AND + 1 x THEN
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6
Finally, there is a time frame in which you can look for Wisdom:
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:6
It’s as good a time as any, right now. Today.
Will you read some Words of Wisdom, today?
Will you seek out understanding of what you are reading, today?