Reading this today reminds me of one reason I like to read in a different translation once in awhile. Wisdom is both defined and personalized here, and the concepts are intriguing.
We have a problem.
The Proverbs weren’t meant to be read in blocks of 3 or 4 at a time. They are a compilation of wise sayings that each have to be repeated, examined and considered. A person should brood over the Proverbs, while thinking of ways to make these sayings true in your life. We will not have that kind of time here, so as I have done in the past, I think I will just comment briefly on what grabs me today. Anything scholarly seems impossible for such a large amount of content.
“My child” repeats often. There isn’t a term that is much more endearing, who wouldn’t sacrifice for their own children? Who doesn’t want the best for their kids? So for the author to be saying “my child” means that he is sharing with us out of love and concern. This isn’t the king laying out a law, or a school teacher trying to get you to memorize some facts. This is a father (one who knows you best) sharing with you what he believes is in your best interest.
I caught the term “around your neck” several times. I think a good modern day example would be the cell phone. People will wander away from home without jewelry, and maybe even go to school in their pajamas…but they won’t be seen without their cell phone. I should hang onto wisdom like it’s my cell. Or my wallet.
Maybe that’s what “seeking with all your strength” looks like. But how can I seek wisdom, or hang onto wisdom when it’s a thought, or an idea? It’s not like I can physically hold onto them, or go to a place where wisdom is living, is it? Except that: wisdom is found in God’s Word…and I can hold onto that. Wisdom is found in reading and studying God’s Word, and I can go to a place where both of those are happening.
Could it be that my pursuit of wisdom and understanding is reading my Bible for daily devotions, and attending Church every week…maybe attending a Bible Study or small group? Isn’t that exactly what Solomon, the wisest man in the world wanted us to do? Isn’t that what a “father’ would want his children to do?
Wisdom will steer you away from people who are greedy, fools and mockers. Therefore, wisdom aids us in remaining holy, and people who are greedy, lustful, etc. are not wise. It isn’t wise to be greedy. I need to remember that when the devil tries to tempt me with things. It isn’t wise to crave more stuff. Wisdom selects a different path.
Wisdom is described as a person. Here’s a crazy thought: All wisdom comes from God, and God used wisdom to design and create the earth. Could wisdom be part of the essence of the Holy Spirit? Because it’s through the Holy Spirit we understand Scripture, and it’s the Holy Spirit who guides us.
I don’t remember reading the words “common sense” when I read this in the NIV. Maybe it’s there and I just missed it, or maybe they used a different word. Either way, I love the idea that common sense is really wisdom. If you look at what the person who has common sense receives, you will find it synonymous with great wisdom. The person with common sense knows which way to go, and how to accomplish what matters most.
One last thought that really tickled my thoughts today: 3:19-20. God founded the earth by wisdom, and created the heavens the same way. What does that mean? It seems to me that God had to know something that would allow Him to create… I’m thinking that there’s more to the story than God just saying “let there be….” and it appeared. That requires power and authority, but not necessarily wisdom. Are you following me? Did God design the earth WITH wisdom or by USING wisdom? Maybe both. Certainly as we look at the earth it was designed by an intelligence far above our own. No one can deny that. Accidents of this precision aren’t possible.
So God designed with wisdom, meaning that He was wise in the way He designed it. But did God use some knowledge that is beyond us in order to create? Did He use quarks and atoms and subatomic particles, or did he create them (most likely) and then use them to create other things.
The more you think about God, the more you realize that He is wise and we are not. No wonder we should seek knowledge, we don’t even know how the earth runs, or was created, or what will cause it to end….or when. We can’t understand a human heart, or human longings…
Wisdom is needed indeed….
Faithfully,
PR