If I could teach a class on how to become spiritually wise, the textbook would simply be the Book of Proverbs. The nuggets of truth found within are so relevant to our modern-day society. I wish I could comment and articulate my Facebook posts as well as Solomon did within Scripture! Solomon’s words bear repeating today; they are basically the equivalent of a “spiritual mic drop” when put up against all of the nonsense we see and hear repeatedly within culture. If you need a break from all the stuff on your newsfeed and are full of either rage or anxiety or a combination of both, go read some Proverbs. You’ll thank me later.
As I’m taking my study through the Bible this year, I’ve finished up Psalms and have begun to dig into the lovely book that follows. I recently read Proverbs 2 and as I’ve done before, I’ve pulled some points out that I believe are the thrust of the chapter. Treating this somewhat as a devotional-type of blog post, I hope you’ll be able to apply these thoughts while having your Bible close at hand.
My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
listening closely to wisdom
and directing your heart to understanding;
furthermore, if you call out to insight
and lift your voice to understanding,
if you seek it like silver
and search for it like hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and discover the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5
1. God grants wisdom
Proverbs 2 is full of these “If you do ‘this’…then you will receive ‘that’…” statements. These are basically statements with a promise: God is saying wisdom and understanding will come to them who actually seek it out. How good is it to know that God rewards those who earnestly look for Him? Our efforts to draw close to God are actually redeemed by Him and He in turn, will draw close to us! Proverbs 2:6 actually states that it is the Lord that gives wisdom. We often look for wisdom and insight into matters in other places than in the truth of Scripture. I believe we will find the knowledge and understanding we need to navigate life if we go to God first.
2. Stay on the right path
There are 2 clear paths that are talked about in Proverbs. Similar to Psalm 1 (which I wrote a blog about: Psalm 1 Living), there is a path of righteousness and a path of wickedness. They are in complete opposition to each other and like oil and water, they don’t mix. How do we stay on the right path and pursue Godly living? By seeking wisdom.
For wisdom will enter your mind and knowledge will delight your heart…rescuing you from the way of evil. Proverbs 2:10,12
Perversity, doing evil, giving into temptation (especially sexual sin); those are clearly markers on the path of the wicked and areas upon which our feet must not tread. When we seek wisdom from God, He enables us to stay on the path of His choosing; the path of the righteous.
3. God’s promise is good
A promise is held for those who stay on the path God intends: they will inhabit the land. For ancient Israel, inhabiting the land meant entering the Promised Land God had ordained for them as a people. It meant taking possession and then enjoying the benefits…the fruit it gave and the ability to live securely within its borders. I believe that is the promise God has for us as Christians today as well. Not so much a “physical territory” but a spiritual one that has fruit and life and health for those who pursue it. We ultimately rest upon the promise of knowing we will be with God in eternity when we die; a place of perfection where sin and wickedness will rule no more:
For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those of integrity will remain in it;
but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the treacherous uprooted from it.
Proverbs 2:21,22
I’m not sure about you, but when I read a passage like Proverbs 2 I get excited! My spirit is stirred because I see God’s clear teaching and instruction and it guides how I live my life. I see that God actively takes part and directs our steps…if we allow Him to. I’m also encouraged to know that although the way of the righteous is narrow and few follow it, it has the greatest rewards and benefits. What in this life can compare to what awaits us in heaven if we continue to persevere and keep our eyes fixed on the prize?
If you’ve come to the end of this blog and you’re asking yourself, “How do I become wise in these matters?”, the answer is simple: go to God in prayer. James 1:5 states “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” The classroom of Wisdom 101 is straight-forward…approach the Teacher, ask Him for wisdom and He will give it to you.
Class is dismissed!
Hope this entry is a blessing and an encouragement to you today! I can be reached at info@derekcharlesjohnson.com