Seek Wisdom
2: 1-5
A proverb is a short and memorable saying designed to be our blueprint for living in the world that ADONAI has created. It is important to note that proverbs are not promises; they are generally true principles, all other things being equal.
The father again makes an appeal: My son, this is the second teaching from the father (see Aj – Proverbs for the Youth), if you listen to what I say, and store up my commands within you (2:1 NLT). “Take my teaching seriously,” is what every dedicated teacher asks of a student. The father desires that his son do more than merely listen to what he has to say, not to have only an open mind, but to store up his commands within him. Solomon had embraced the Torah of ADONAI and made it his own by faith and obedience as well as his teaching. Three steps are necessary for those who wish to receive his words and become wise. First, the person must be willing to receive or hear instruction from another person who is wiser. Second, the person must value wisdom as more precious than silver or hidden treasure. Third, as we will see in future proverbs, the person must act on those wise teachings. It is not enough for a person to merely listen and learn; he or she must also obey if he or she is to become wise.
It is essential that we receive God’s sayings, that we absorb them on a regular basis and allow them to find lodging in our minds. Few things affect our world more detrimentally than ongoing biblical ignorance. At the same time, we cannot overestimate the positive impact of Scriptural knowledge on a society. We need only to look to the founding of the United States of America.
Many scholars question whether the Founding Fathers were professing believers as our evangelical churches today would define the term “Christian.” Regardless, the vast majority at least maintained a Christian world view, held God in high esteem, revered the Bible as authoritative, knew God’s Word well, and adopted its precepts as their moral foundation. All of these are undeniable. Their knowledge of biblical wisdom led them to first think deeply and then make decisions based on principles rather than pragmatism. In fact, their scriptural knowledge made capitalism and democracy possible.46
If you tune your ears to Lady Wisdom (see Am – Lady Wisdom’s Rebuke of the Foolish), and turn your heart toward understanding (2:2 Hebrew). One hears with the ear, but the father requires more of the son than simply the act of listening. The heart represents what we would call the basic personality of a person. Once wisdom is properly valued, both the ear and the mind are captivated by it. Wisdom in this sense means “skill” and refers to the quality that enables a person to live life skillfully, avoiding the world’s countless traps and pitfalls. Understanding refers to one’s mind, specifically the intellectual discipline required to gain wisdom. ADONAI calls His people to work toward a deep understanding of His Word and to apply that Word to their lives. These things lead to wisdom.47
If we read this verse correctly, we must also tune our ears to the discipline of Ha’Shem (see the commentary on Hebrews Cz – God Disciplines His Children), and cultivate an open heart before Him. The Bible repeatedly warns that we are naturally inclined to selfishness, shortsightedness, and shallow thinking. The English term fool appears no less than sixty-two times in the book of Proverbs alone. In no uncertain terms God urges us to remain closely connected to Him. The fear of ADONAI is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding. For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life (9:10-11). When establishing plans, making decisions, or solving problems, what practical steps do you follow as you seek divine wisdom? Is this standard operating procedure for you or carried out only in case of emergency?48
If you call out for Lady Wisdom and ask for understanding (2:3 NLT). The father desires the son to take the next step in the search for Lady Wisdom. This suggests one must desire wisdom – in order to obtain it. For the least bit of indifference will leave one without the fullness of her wisdom. The son is not only to be open to Lady Wisdom’s influence as it comes to him, but he is also to pursue it actively. Yet, this verse also reminds us that true wisdom comes only from ADONAI, and all we need to do is ask Him to give it to us: If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5 NIV).49
Perhaps the single most overlooked discipline in the life of a believer – and among the most difficult – is consistent prayer. Prevailing prayer. Ongoing, unceasing prayer. Don’t misunderstand. I’m not suggesting we should simply spend more time in prayer. Increasing the number of minutes talking to God should not become our focus. Instead, let us cultivate a mind-set oriented to prayer and a lifestyle that includes a sustained, running conversation with the Lord throughout the day. Plagued with worry? Let that prompt you to unload your concerns before ADONAI. Discouraged by conflict? Share it with Messiah and ask for His intervention. Perplexed with a problem? Ask Yeshua to give you insight, understanding and discernment. Don’t save up your problems and questions for a long session later in the day. Talk with God moment by moment as you experience life.50
With a sense of increasing urgency, the father says: and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure (2:4 NIV). Verse 3 urges the son to use his voice to call out to Lady Wisdom, while verse 4 encourages him to take action. Part of the seeking is an act of faith: But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in ADONAI alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind (James 1:6 NLT). Although the search for Lady Wisdom is described in terms of understanding, the search should have the persistence of a search for silver or hidden treasure. This points to the value of the object being sought. Throughout Proverbs, Lady Wisdom is often compared favorably to precious metals (3:14-15 for example).51
We’re talking diligence and effort here! The saying calls us to seek God’s wisdom as if we are digging for silver or to search for hidden treasure. This is no superficial game! It’s an earnest, diligent pursuit of the mind of Messiah! While we don’t have to earn His favor – and we can be sure that He’s not withholding insight to make us work harder – we must nevertheless cultivate a desire for His wisdom that’s no less intense than our natural desire for wealth.
Verse 5 brings us to the climax. If the son follows the instructions of the father in verses 1-4, then he will understand what it means to fear ADONAI (see Ai – The Fear of Wisdom is the Beginning of Knowledge), and you will discover the knowledge of God (2:5 ESV). Cultivating a desire for divine wisdom begins with the decision to make it a priority and to begin pursuing it. Yeshua said: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21 NIV). It’s a biological principle that you will increasingly value whatever you make a habit of pursuing. Knowledge of ADONAI comes through having a close and personal relationship with Him, which is available to everyone through Yeshua. Those who are redeemed by the blood of Messiah are redeemed and continue to walk in obedience with His Word.
What most often prompts you to pray? For what do you typically ask? There’s nothing wrong with asking ADONAI to change your circumstances, but prayer has the potential to change you – your perspectives and values, attitudes and desires. Right now, think of a difficult situation and ask the Lord how He wants you to think or behave differently in response.52
Dear heavenly Father, praise You for being the most Wise, Wonderful, and Loving Father that ever could be! How great that you are a God nearby, not far away (Acts 17:27). How very special that You promise to live within those who believe in You. Yeshua answered and said to him: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23).
How wonderful it is to have the privilege to talk/pray to You 24/7- every day of the year! It is so great to be able to call upon You when there is a crisis or a problem that needs fixing, as David did so often, and You heard and stepped in to help. But know that ADONAI has set apart the godly for His own. ADONAI will hear when I call to Him (Psalm 4:3).
Amazing that though you are watching over all that happens in the entire world, you also are ready and available to listen to me! ADONAI will hear when I call to Him. “Then you will call on Me, and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you” (Jeremiah 29:12). Now this is the confidence we have before Him – that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have the requests we have asked from Him (First John 5:14-15).
Thank You for Your Great Wisdom and Steadfast Love that hears and answers my prayers when I call out to You, seeking Your wisdom. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him. (James 1:5). In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His Resurrection. Amen
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