In an earlier devotional from Proverbs 2 we noted that Solomon exhibited a sacred sense of duty to train, discipline and direct his son to follow a path of godly wisdom and understanding. However, Solomon knew the initiative to seek and pursue wisdom must arise from the heart of his son.
Solomon challenged his son to seek wisdom with 8 calls to action: “receive…hide…incline…apply…criest after…liftest up…seekest…and searchest” (Proverbs 2:1-4).
Evidencing his knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures and God’s covenant relationship with Israel (Deuteronomy 4:29), Solomon promised his son that God rewards the man who seeks Him with his heart.
Proverbs 2:5 – “Then shalt thou understand the fear [reverential worship] of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
This brings us to our proverb for today, Proverbs 2:7.
Proverbs 2:7 – “He [the Lord] layeth up [treasures; reserves; stores up] sound wisdom[practical wisdom that leads to success] for the righteous [just; the man who follows God’s Law]: he is a buckler[shield; protector] to them that walk [behave] 
uprightly[with integrity].”
Notice that God rewards those who fear Him and walk according to His Law. God gives the righteous man “sound wisdom”–an uncommon practical sense and insight. This is what is missing in our 21st century culture! We have substituted “book learning” for the wisdom God gives to faithful men who love and revere Him. We believe a “good education” makes a man wise—it does not! Wisdom and good sense belongs to him whose heart and thoughts is disciplined by abiding in the presence of God and meditating in His Word (Psalm 119:9-11).
Finally, the Lord is a “buckler”, literally, a shield and protector for those who have dedicated their lives as men and women of integrity.
My friend, you say you want to be successful? Seek the Lord with all your heart!
Psalm 1:1-3 – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”