A Word on Wisdom
Proverbs 9:10 states, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” As someone who has dedicated most of my life to education, pursuing knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is not just a profession but a life passion. This verse has always fascinated me for many reasons. First, it strikes me that it states explicitly that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the starting point, a first step. The proverbs characterize wisdom in many ways, including self-control (Prov. 17:28), humility (Prov. 11:2), obedience (Prov. 13:1), prudence (14:8), discipline (Prov. 29:15) and love (Ps. 107:43). These all represent subsequent steps or facets of wisdom.
On the other hand, knowledge results from an understanding of God’s character, His ways, and His will, which places a framework around the experiences we gain throughout our lives. King Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom, and his request was granted. (1 Kings 3:1-15) Yet, despite his extraordinary wisdom and knowledge, Solomon fell into the snare of sin by disobeying God, marrying foreign wives, and having a permissive policy regarding their foreign Gods. (1 Kgs 11:1-6) It begs the question: How can one so wise sin in such a way?
Solomon’s wisdom did not preclude him from the dangers of sin. Though the fear of the Lord is the first step of wisdom, it does not ensure we will always act wisely. If we do not fervently seek after the Lord out of reverence or fear for Him, our worldly knowledge can lead us astray. While 1 Kings 3:3 states that King Solomon “loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father,” 1 Kings 11:1 indicates that he traded his first love for the Lord for the love of “many foreign women,” while verse four indicates that “his wives turned his heart after other gods.” As believers, we are reminded that many things in life are poised and ready to replace our love for God. Money, success, fame, work or even a favourite pastime, anything that replaces God in my heart is an idol, even earthly wisdom.
In the final chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes, which many scholars attribute to King Solomon, readers are provided with a look at life through the lens of the “Preacher” (NASB), a wise individual who seeks to experience all the worldly pleasures of life only to come to the powerful conclusion that life without God is meaningless. He encounters a powerful Godly truth at the limit of his earthly wisdom. He concludes:
“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.[c] 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with[d] every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastics 12:13-14.
So, how do we seek Godly wisdom?
Start by asking the Holy Spirit, as Solomon did, to open your heart to receive Biblical truth. Ask for wisdom and discernment.
Dedicate time each day to study Scripture. There is a reason Jesus often quoted the Old Testament.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim 3:16-17)
Finally, find a community of believers with whom to study the Bible. Though individual study time or quiet time in scripture is important, the Bible is also meant to be studied in community. You will be amazed to see how the Holy Spirit works, revealing Biblical truth from one person to another. Look for a small group where humility, trust and a common desire to learn more about God are present.
A strong community of faith grounded in sound Biblical doctrine can help guard you against walking in the footsteps of “the Preacher” of Ecclesiastes, allowing earthly wisdom and desires to lead you down a path of foolish decisions only to find that earthly pleasures without God are indeed, meaningless.
Yours in Christ,
Brad
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