The second chapter of proverbs is rich with instruction about wisdom. It is good to remember when we read about seeking wisdom that seeking wisdom is really about seeking God.. wisdom personified. When we ask God for wisdom we are really asking God to reveal Himself.My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; (v1-2)
When I read words like "receive", "attentive" and "inclining" the word humility come to mind. God has called us to be life-long learners.. but not all are humble enough to learn. In some sense it is impossible to learn or even seek God if we are not a little humble.
yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (v3-5)
There seems to be this tension in how God reveals himself to us.. sometimes we seek and do not find.. yet sometimes He reveals Himself to us when we do not think we are seeking. My most meaningful times of revelation have come during worship. Maybe it is more about seeking the person of God rather than the wisdom of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; (v6)
So often my head wants knowledge and understanding when what I really need is wisdom of the heart.. interesting that they all come from the same source.
Following are some of the blessings of seeking the Lord:
- guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints (v8)
- discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you delivering you from the way of evil (v11-12)
- For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it (v21)
If you liked this post then please click here to catch some of my other ponderings on the book of Proverbs.
Isn't it always the motives? God looks at and searches the heart.
ReplyDeleteSusan