“The proverbs of Solomon son of David King of Israel:” (Proverbs 1:1 NIV)
The book of proverbs is unique for many reasons, but right off the bat, in the very first verse, Solomon announces his purpose. If we follow along through the first six verses, we find that these proverbs are written with the express intent of gaining wisdom, instruction, understanding and insight. These words give way to prudent behavior, resulting in actions that are right and fair and just. Knowledge and discretion are displayed in Proverb’s pages, even the wise can add to their learning through Solomon’s teaching, and the discerning get guidance. Yet, there is a warning as well.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7 NIV)
Solomon reminds us, we can accumulate all the knowledge in the world, absorbing and recording and even memorizing all the available facts and figures, but if we do not begin with a foundational fear of the Lord, it is rubbish and we are fools.
Consider our country, which all it’s institutes for higher education and libraries stacked with books. The world wide web is jam-packed with free information and expanding every day. Most primary education is public and available without personal cost. According to bestcolleges.com 42% of American adults hold some sort of higher education degree. This percentage has skyrocketed since 1940 when less than 5% of the population had a bachelors degree. We are a highly educated people, yet we are nearly morally bankrupt. According to scripture, the accrual of knowledge does not make one wise, the relationship with the Creator alone cultivates wisdom.
Solomon, in all his splendor, learned this truth the hard way. Regularly recognized as the wisest man on earth, Solomon discovered that his wisdom was in direct correlation with his walk with God. When distance grew between him and his Maker, his wisdom fell apart. When Solomon chose to stay close to God in all his ways, wisdom won the day.
This principle is still true for us today. True wisdom is a byproduct of right relationship with the Lord. We spend time in His Word and in His presence and we discover the right way to live. When we falter in right relationship we start to lose our way real quick.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Lord, forgive us for first looking to other sources for wisdom. Solomon reminds us to begin with You. May we carefully lay the foundation of knowledge through Your Word and Your Presence. May we return daily, even hourly if need be, to steady the structure of our life with Your truth. Make us wise for Kingdom’s sake. Let us lead others toward You, too. Amen.