Proverbs is a book of wisdom. But what is wisdom? What does Proverbs mean by wisdom? How does this compare to my view of wisdom? For answers let us define several words in this passage that will come up often in Proverbs. (The English terms are from the NKJV. We are dependent on The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament for much of this information.)
· v2,4: to
know: knowledge that comes not only by filling the mind but by proving it
in experience. We really “know” when we
have tested it in life.
· v2: wisdom:
what we think concerning life’s experiences.
To the Greeks knowledge was virtue.
But for the Hebrews wisdom was not theory or speculation; it was
practical, based on revealed principles lived out in life.
· v2,3: instruction:
knowledge gained especially by discipline and correction. Through consequences we even learn wisdom
from our mistakes.
These 3 terms are
repeated in verse 7. They are
fundamental; the other terms in this passage provide important support to our
understanding of wisdom. This way of
“learning” is carried on in the New Testament.
In Col. 1:9 Paul prays that the believers will be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”
Paul recognizes that the knowledge of Scripture (His will) must be seen
in it’s practical use in our lives (wisdom and spiritual understanding) before
we can truly walk in a way that pleases God.
· v2: perceive:
this is the ability to distinguish one thing from another such as right from
wrong, important from trivial, and so forth.
Wisdom knows that not all choices are the same; it makes necessary
distinctions.
· v2: understanding:
this refers to knowledge gained by one’s senses. To make proper distinctions we must
skillfully hear, see, feel, taste and yes, even smell.
· v3: receive:
wisdom lays hold of or acquires instruction. One cannot be lazy or inactive and be wise.
· v3: wisdom:
this Hebrew term (not the same as in v2) relates to knowledge of the reason
things are the way they are. Wisdom
seeks to understand cause and effect. This may be complex but it will result in common sense and will help us to
accomplish our goals.
· v3: justice:
this is the term for righteousness,
which is conformity to the standards of God’s word. The wise path is the righteous path.
· v3: judgment:
this refers to what is lawful and is critical in the areas of government,
whether by man or God’s governing of creation.
Wisdom is just.
· v3: equity:
this is evenness, uprightness,
straightness. When one has this
knowledge he has a clear understanding of the situation. Wisdom involves the “straight and narrow”
(Matt. 7:13-14).
Stop and consider what we have seen so
far. Do you understand the need for
knowledge that truly “works” in life?
Being wise is not for the lazy or unthinking. Do you approach life with this kind of
attitude?
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