Obtaining Wisdom
Have you ever been in a situation in which you realized your perspective and understanding were insufficient? I'm sure we all have many examples. One of mine came when I was in the corporate world. I came to faith in college, then worked for a couple years in college ministry, then did 3 years in seminary, and in a strange turn of events I ended up doing a three-year stint in sales in south Florida. When I first got into the role I really didn’t know what to do. I never thought of going into sales, but I was good at talking to people and finding solutions and was resolved to not be the stereotypical salesperson. I had a friend I really looked up to who was in sales and would always say his role was to serve people. So I just decided I’m going to know my product well and seek to serve people as best I can. I started off doing fairly well and eventually started working on my first bigger deal. It was taking a lot of my time and I was doing everything I could to serve the customer. If he needed more details then I provided him with more details. I had all his expenses itemized on a color coordinated spreadsheet with how our product would reduce his costs and improve his service.
I thought everything was going well, but my manager grew concerned. He said I was romancing the deal, so he insisted on coming to my next meeting with the client. We sat and extended some pleasantries and then in his typical no-nonsense, bull-in-china-shop, New York-style forthrightness he looked at the customer and said, “So you know what we can do, if we do this and this, are you going to sign with us or are you wasting our time?” I was a little perturbed that he would speak to my client in such a way, but also knew it would look bad to start a back and forth with him there. So I hesitatingly let it play out. The customer also was taken aback, and my boss continued to ask the question in different ways. I noticed the customer got more uncomfortable, and soon he made it known that he was under contract with his current vendor, in no position to leave for another company, and he was taking my color-coded spreadsheets and working over his current vendor for a better deal.
I was devastated and knew I lost a deal. For me this was like when Buddy the elf finds out his dad is on the naughty list. My boss was a seasoned sales rep and he keyed in a few things that gave him concerns, so he asked some pointed questions to cut through the confusion. He had acquired wisdom, a practical skill that helped him to be successful. Jesus also exercised great wisdom in dealing with complicated people and issues.
If we are going to be successful in life we need wisdom for life’s complexities. We are starting a series on the book of Proverbs. This book’s purpose is to impart wisdom and life skills.
Puritan pastor William A. Brakel explained the need for wisdom, saying,
(Wisdom) is an absolute necessity, for you are surrounded by your enemies, the devil is crafty, the world is deceptive, and the flesh tempts in a most subtle manner. You must either give up and let these enemies rule over you, or, if you wish to preserve your life, peace, and godliness you must be on guard prudently avoiding the snares which have been laid for you, and prudently carrying out that which the Lord has commanded you to do.
We need wisdom, and God has provided us a way to attain such wisdom. God has designed the world to function according to certain patterns, and wisdom helps us discern and live according to these patterns. Broadly speaking, wisdom is “the practical knowledge of the laws of life and of the world.”
God calls us to honor him in everything and Proverbs help us see how we can do that. This is another reason I find the Christian faith compelling. It doesn’t just tell us how to go to heaven, as immensely important as that is, but it also guides us on how to walk through life.
Wisdom is God’s imparted knowledge of doing the right thing at the right time in the right way.
So let's get oriented to this book and God's purpose for it.
Proverbs
"The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel" (Prov. 1:1)
In God's word we have his promises and those promises shape how we think and live. Promises that he will redeem the world. Promises that if we trust in Christ we will be saved. In the law we are given statutes that we are to obey: thou shalt not steal. The prophets address the egregious breaches of that law. But there are, in life, issues that we come across that are not specified in the law or prophets. Our thoughts, attitudes, and actions are shaped by the law, but there may be a host of possible actions not directly specified, and that is where we need wisdom. Wisdom in knowing what to do and how to do it in life’s complicated situations.
The word “proverb,” found in verse 1 can mean parable, allegory, discourse. We are accustomed to thinking of a proverb as a short, pithy, saying that presents a general truth. In English a proverb is a short saying of practical truth that’s easy to remember, like
“Look before you leap” or
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
We may be familiar with proverbs of people like Ben Franklin “Early to be and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. There is wisdom communicated in that.
The biblical proverbs are found in parallelism, and often antithetical parallelism. Anti (against). Thetical (thesis) the point of your English essay. They are against each other. They call for reflection. You have to search it out a bit. It requires thought and effort, dwelling on. This is the bulk of the proverbs from chapter 10 on.
"As a door turns on its hinge, so a sluggard on his bed" (Prov. 26:14)
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel" (Prov. 12:15)
These proverbs are not promises or laws. They are general truths. They require discernment. We must ponder and search for their meaning, we are not spoonfed everything, but when we discern the point we are able to discern it in life. This is similar to non-Biblical proverbs.
Dating
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Family
Familiarity breeds contempt.
Home is where the heart is.
Proverbs call for reflection to understand. It is a word picture that requires pondering. Many advocate reading a chapter of Proverbs a day, and if you do it you get through the 31 chapters in a month (but not Feb!).
There are longer proverbs as well. There are sections of Proverbs that make a longer discourse (chapter 1 on the fear of the Lord, chapter 5 on purity and righteousness, chapter 8 on wisdom). Chapter 1 is the prologue to the book and the key to understanding them as a whole.
Author
"The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel" (Prov. 1:1)
I love to read books. I have not always loved to read, but as I got into wanting to understand the Bible I started reading everything I could to help me better understand it. As I got into leadership I started reading everything I could to be a better leader. Reading, I can go back to some of the greatest thinkers of history and see what they have to say on key issues or their areas of expertise. I can go back and read the words and teachings of Athanasius and how he opposed the Christological heresies of his day in the 4th century. I can go back and read the works of Martin Luther and understand how he taught in the 16th century on the doctrine of justification by faith alone and why he believed others were wrong in their understanding of Scripture. I can go back and read Plato’s Republic and see how this key figure in western civilization conceived of how a state should work. I can go and read Marco Polo’s journey through the silk road of China and what he discovered.
Reading is powerful, but there is nothing more powerful and enlightening than reading God’s revealed word.
Here we have God’s word and it comes to us through King Solomon, a man renowned for his wisdom. He was one of the wisest men to ever live and many came from far off lands to hear his wisdom (2 Chron 9). We also have other proverbs not written by him, but that he deemed important to pass on to those who would sit on the throne.
Solomon was a wise man who was walking with the Lord, and the Lord appeared to him and said ask what you like and I will give it. Solomon replied,
9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” (1 Kings 3:9–14)
So, here, you are reading the words of the wisest man who ever lived, and what he deemed important to instruct other kings of Israel. Kings would need wisdom and guidance, and so do you.
Purpose of the Book
The purpose of this book and the proverbs is to impart wisdom and knowledge. It is stated in v2. Through this book, one can learn the principles that determine success or failure in the major areas of human activity, including business, personal relationships, family life, and community life.
2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—
Kings are to reign with wisdom. They need it to navigate the many complex issues that come up. Wisdom can be learned and acquired. The young and immature can grow and increase.
I can remember, in college, talking to a friend who aspired to be a leader and he had read a book where this leadership guru basically said you either have the gift of leadership or you don’t, and if you don’t have it don’t even bother. My friend was devastated. He had just come off leading a study group and had some major hiccups. For him it was a bit of an identity crisis.
Proverbs has a different word for us. You can grow in wisdom and discernment, key elements of leading. It is something you can acquire, that you can learn, you can also lose or diminish in your ability. The simple are invited to learn.
In Proverbs we are told to seek after wisdom. Proverbs 2 tells us to call out for wisdom, to seek it like we seek after silver. I can remember at different points in my life praying for God to provide different things. I can remember praying to get a good grade on a test or for a deal to come in. I was eventually convicted that I don’t just want to get a deal, I want to learn and know the material and the way to succeed. Lord, give me that skill and wisdom. Shape me. Mold me. Teach me what I need to learn.
Give a man a fish and he eats for a day,
Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.
The purpose is to know Wisdom. It’s a key theme of this book. Wisdom is a masterful understanding or skill. 1 Kings 7:14 tells of a man named Haran who is said to have great skill in making bronze. Some have wisdom to govern, some have it to determine right and wrong. Some demonstrate great wisdom to overcome difficult situations.
True wisdom is complex and not just a single feature. It involves an interworking of multiple characteristics, such as: knowledge, insight, prudence, cunning, discretion, learning, guidance, counsel, and strength. All these virtues come packaged with wisdom, and their inter-relation is seen in passages like Proverbs 1:1-7 where different words are used to convey the different facets of this wisdom.
Wisdom is necessary. If everyone is doing what is right and fair, then it would make doing the right thing superfluous. What you have to remember is we live in a world that is messy. We live in a world where people have no concern to do what is right, just, or fair.
People want what they want. Live in a world where prostitutes steal babies. A world where leaders funnel money to themselves. We live in a world where people lie, cheat, and steal, put you in situations in which you have few good options and then want to blame you for making a bad or less than ideal situation.
Once two prostitutes came to Solomon arguing over a child. One said the other woman killed her baby and in the night switched her living baby with the dead baby. Solomon said bring a sword and divide the baby. When he said that, one woman said good, but the other woman said, “No, give the baby to her.” Solomon replied this is the child’s mother. It is a skill to know how to navigate the complexities of life.
We also see the purpose of these proverbs is to do what is right and just and fair. Most today want wisdom to acquire money, money, money. They couldn’t care less about righteousness. Do you want to be a great leader? Then do what is right and just and fair. Want to make money? Don’t do what most benefits you. Don’t show favoritism. Don’t wrong people. Do what is right!
So the goal of this book is to impart wisdom on how to do what is just and right and fair. The goal is not to be rich and famous. It is interesting that we have a group of wealthy and influential people called influencers who do nothing. Brilliant at making short, popular videos that demonstrate no substance and no character.
Biblically, if we don't have substance and character we are nothing. This comes first. Don't pursue wealth and popularity without these. Seek after these, and trust the Lord with the other.
There are many people who appear wise but are fools. Degrees don’t make you wise. Positions don’t make you wise. Money doesn’t make you wise. Many fools have all of those. Don't fall into that trap.
And that brings us to the essence of wisdom. We are told the source of wisdom in verse 7. Memorize this verse.
The Source of True Wisdom
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Prov. 1:7)
Wisdom has a spiritual dimension.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The beginning and the source. It is the beginning, but not as first grade is the beginning of education. The word actually means beginning and also the source. It is more like the beginning of a spring. It starts there and has its source. You quit fearing God, and it leads to foolish actions.
Fear of the Lord is not a beginner’s step, but the prerequisite to every right decision and attitude. This is what lines up everything else.
It makes me think of coaching my kids’ sports. We would be out throwing the football, and if you are new to sports you do not realize that a vital aspect of throwing the ball is where your feet are. I remember working with them, and at time, they would throw it a mile, but it was in the wrong direction. I would often say, where were you aiming? There! Where did the ball go? That way. Where were your feet pointing? That way! We would do that in football, then we would be on the basketball court or tennis court. Where your feet are going dictates your momentum and everything else. Your heart before the Lord determines everything else.
The key to walking wisely is fearing God. Fearing created things inverts the order of the world. Fear people, and you will do dumb things. Fear money, or a lack of it, and you will do dumb things.
If you want to do well in life, relationships, money, business, sex, leading others and everything else mentioned in Proverbs, then the key to it is the fear of the Lord. That means the thing you are most concerned with is pleasing God. It necessitates having God first. He is the one you most fear disappointing.
Fools despise wisdom. Not everyone is interested in acting wisely or honoring God. Despise can mean to scorn, deride, i.e., have contempt. But it can also mean to be disinterested. There is the outright hate of one attacking, being flamboyant in their mockery of someonethink social media … but it can also mean to disregard. I don’t hate my neighbor, I’ve just got other [better?] things going on than seeing if his house is on fire. That kind of calloused disinterest is in fact contempt. And we can do that spiritually. I don't hate God, I don't dislike church and being with God’s people, but I'm just busy with other things to do.
Many professing Christians have no regard for what God wants of them. No interest in honoring him or doing what is right. They could unplug from their faith completely and they wouldn't look much different from where they are. They are fools. The Bible presents a far richer understanding of what it means to walk with God.
Wisdom also leads us to Jesus Christ,. the ultimately wise person If you want to walk in wisdom, you walk with him. He has become for us wisdom (1 Cor 1:30). We know God through him.
There is a clear relationship between having wisdom and walking with Jesus. That means to be wise you have to define your relationship. DTR. We are friends and we have been hanging out a lot. Your friends are asking and my friends are asking. And if you say we are “just” friends then I’m going to be disappointed. You have to define what you are. Just friends. Boyfriend and girlfriend. Are we getting engaged? Marriage defines a relationship. Not getting married defines a relationship.
So where are you with Jesus? Are you a follower who has submitted your life to him? Are you an acquaintance who knows of him, is intrigued by him, but is not ready to call him anything more than an acquaintance?
Discussion Questions
- What does this passage say about who can acquire wisdom?
- What is the purpose of wisdom? How does that differ from what worldly wisdom tells us to do?
- What is the beginning and end of true wisdom? Why is the fear of the Lord so important?
