Wisdom! Where does it come from? How do we obtain it? Is there a magical pixy dust we can sprinkle to acquire it? Is it something we slowly obtain as we grow older and more experienced? Have you considered that knowledge is not the same as wisdom? Are you seeking wisdom?
Solomon tells his child(ren) to listen to and accept his words. Why? Solomon’s wisdom was a gift from God. There was nothing magical about it. He didn’t merely learn it as he grew older and more experienced. He asked God for wisdom as he became king and God granted it to him.
Solomon states that the result of listening to his words is to understand what it means to fear God. Not being afraid of God but being in awe of him. As we come to understanding, we come to God in awe of his presence, his power, his knowledge of all things, and his creation. As we grow in our awe of God, we realize how much more we can trust him to work in our lives and provide the best for us.
Early in chapter 2 of Proverbs, Solomon tells us to seek out God’s wisdom with everything we have and everything we are. As we do that, we find the knowledge of God, meaning a deeper and more intimate understanding of who God is. That should be a goal for our life. It should be something we strive for. Knowing God and understanding him benefits us in many ways.
I pray we all seek to gain wisdom. I pray we listen to Solomon’s words and accept them as guidance toward achieving wisdom. I pray each one of us will strive for a deep and intimate understanding of who God is. Seek wisdom. Accept wisdom. Seek to understand God.
Proverbs 2:1, 5:
My child, if you accept my words
and treasure up my commandments within you,
…
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
Marty Pressey 