Proverbs God's Word for Wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-7)
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: to know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. To understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Reading Notes
True wisdom comes from knowing God and from understanding His word, the Bible. God's word, especially the proverbs provides a way for people to know, perceive and understand wisdom. We should never forget that God's word is His special revelation to us regarding His plan of redemption. Jesus himself told us that the scriptures testify of Him. Moreover, the true author of all scripture is the Holy Spirit. This means that not only does God's word give us wisdom which leads to a more abundant life, but God's word will always lead us into the arms of Christ Jesus our Lord. In the Bible, we find wisdom, and not man's wisdom, but God's wisdom. A wisdom that leads to life, leads to joy and leads to fulfillment as we grow in the knowledge of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Moreover, Jesus promised because of our faith in Him, we would not only have new life, but a more abundant life as the Holy Spirit carries out God's work of spiritual growth in our hearts and minds.
Therefore, it's the study of God's word, which helps us to increase our understanding of Christ Jesus our Lord and the world around us. And it's God's word and the Holy Spirit together, which help us to grow in wisdom and knowledge. The word for "wisdom" used in these passages, carries the additional meaning of having an "applied skill." Having something we can use every day in order to live our lives in a better way. And that's what God's word does for us. It not only gives wisdom and understanding in the things of God, but it also gives us practical wisdom for everyday life and our relationships with those around us. God's word gives us a guidance we can use every day to live better lives. And to live a life pleasing to God and helpful to those around us. In addition, it helps to prepare us for God's work using the spiritual gifts which have been given to us by Jesus Himself, and administered through the Holy Spirit. And lastly as we study God's word, the Holy Spirit prepares us for God's kingdom work as His dear children.
Bibliography
Scripture taken from the Modern King James Version of the Holy Bible Copyright © 1962 - 1998 By AJay P. Green, Sr.
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible: New King James Version. Nashville: Word Bibles, 1997. Print.
ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011. Print.
Publishers, Hendrickson. "The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge." Barnes & Noble. N.p., 30 Nov. 6719. Web. 14 Dec. 2016.
Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ezr 1:1–11). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.