Proverbs: Chapter 2:

Chapter 2: The Value of Wisdom

Shelf Road | Canon City, Colorado 

There is a task before us, all in life and we must choose to either seek wisdom or folly. Solomon is pleading with his children to hear what he is saying and understand that it is not meaningless. He is aware that he is probably tuned out - as most all parents are - when he begins to talk about such things as seeking wisdom. He is asking for them to listen for wise people and then seek out their understanding from a place of humility and curiosity. We should seek wisdom vigorously and never stop pursuing the knowledge of God regardless of how hard it may be to find it. The understanding we are seeking is a healthy fear of the Lord. Knowing His power, His mightiness, His plan for our lives. We should be crying out to Him in prayer all the time. We are desperate for our savior and we should feel neediness within us to be close to Him. Example: Whenever I find myself in a situation where I can do the wrong thing or do the right thing, I am usually convicted by the idea of knowing God sees my actions (and sees the thoughts that are going on within my head) and He would not be honored if I made the wrong choice. This is a very vague example of how the Holy Spirit within us can say: "You know this isn't right and you shouldn't be doing it." This is common amongst believers and non-believers. We all receive common grace and we all know there are some things that are just morally wrong.

If we seek out the Lord and ask for wisdom and understanding He will give it to us freely. God only speaks knowledge and understanding, He is wisdom. Those who know God, know wisdom. He gives sound wisdom to those who love Him and see themselves as who they truly are, broken and battered sinners who are crying out to Him in prayer and adoration. Then we can understand things like righteousness, justice, and equity; all the good things that we can enjoy in life. God will place wisdom on us and show us knowledge that will bring us comfort in our souls. (This does not mean we will be comfortable in life or rich, it merely means we will know where our soul is going when we die.)

We will be delivered from evil by the wisdom, understanding, discretion, and knowledge that God will give to us. This is how we will overcome living a life marked by evil - not by what we bring to the table - but what God gives to us through His Son and the Holy Spirit. He can mark us as people who love righteousness and despise evil. (Again, this does not mean you won't sin, we are all sinners and that will not end until Christ returns.) We should avoid those who are wicked and seek The Kingdom of Heaven first. [Also, while remembering that we are to do this in a matter that exudes the gospel. We don’t do it from a place of pride, but from humility.] In the current year, it is very hard to avoid crookedness or devious behavior, it is everywhere, it runs rampant in every conversation, dinner, event, workplace, church, etc. The idea of being a strong Christian who loves the Lord is not a popular concept within the United States. However, going to church on Sunday is, but then no one lives the way they pretend to when they attend church. It is the worst situation to be in because your hobby is the church (An extremely lame hobby, by the way, I would rather spend my time with a hobby that is more fun and exciting.) and there is no depth to it. This is pointless. If being a Christian is strictly attending church then the gospel has been lost because the church isn't the main attraction, Christ's love for us is the overwhelming beauty that is Christianity. If we remove Christ as the subject of the church, it has lost its meaning. The ability to be free from sin (Again, this doesn't mean you don't sin, it means Christ's blood covers your sins and you are forgiven through Him) and to live a life that is not bound to a superficial view of the world is a beautiful experience. Seeing God's creation and showing appreciation to Him for it is very rewarding. His creation, His plan, His desire for us is to enjoy what He created.

Solomon is trying to get this point across to his sons, If you understand my words and seek wisdom over folly you will be rescued from being with a woman who will forsake you and seek others instead. Currently, the divorce rate is absurd (Around 60% of marriages end in divorce) and it is the best example of losing sight of God because marriage is supposed to be a covenant between you, your spouse, and God. God brings you two together and makes you one, man should not be able to tear apart what God brings together. But, we live in a post-Genesis 3 world. If we seek sinful pleasures we will usually be left unsatisfied and longing for something more. The path of the wicked leads to death, the path of righteousness leads to Heaven. We should walk in the way that Christ calls us to and seek His kingdom. We will fall short, as in all things, but we should strive to grow closer to Him every day. We should root out the treachery that is deep within us and fill that hole with His love.

Dear Lord, I pray that you would remind me of your gospel every day. I want to see it in everything; work, people, nature, mountains, experiences, etc. I know that I want this only sometimes, help me want this all of the time. Help me be more caring for others and seeking you over sin. Draw me closer to you and stir my affections for you even more. Amen. 

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