I highlighted eight imperatives with which Solomon challenged his son in my February 2 devotional on Proverbs 2. They were:
Proverbs 2:1-4 – “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide [treasure] my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after [pursue] knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding [insight]; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest [diligently] for her as for hid treasures;”
Notice that the initiative for seeking, pursuing and searching for wisdom belongs to the son. As much as he wanted his son to be a wise king and an understanding man, Solomon knew his son would have to determine to be that man. A godly father longs for his son to grow up and be a wise man, but every son must decide to be that man.
In Proverbs 2:5-6, Solomon cites two rewards for the man who pursues and applies wisdom. The first reward of wisdom is an intimate knowledge of God. Solomon writes:
Proverbs 2:5 – “Then shalt thou understand the fear [reverential worship] of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”
The majority of Christians are content with knowing about God. Go to Sunday School and a worship service and many feel they have done their part in knowing and serving God. Sadly, few Christians have either the longing or discipline to know God personally and intimately.
The second reward of wisdom is a right relationship with God.
Proverbs 2:6 – “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
Like the light of a lighthouse piercing the fog and darkness of the night, the wisdom imparted by the study of God’s Word is “a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).