As a reminder, Proverbs 4 contains the instructions that Solomon attributes to his father, King David. Solomon, reflecting on his parent’s love and his father’s instructions, writes:
Proverbs 4:3-4 – “For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. 4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.”
In an earlier devotional from Proverbs 4 we noted that King David had imparted to his son Solomon a love for God and a passion for godly wisdom. David had challenged his son:
Proverbs 4:7 – “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get [acquire] wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
The wisdom Solomon urges is that which God alone gives a man who is sincere in his love and devotion for God. It is wisdom that is personal, acquired through one’s relationship with God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. It is more than knowledge of God’s Word; it begins with a personal knowledge of the Word made flesh—Jesus Christ.
John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
It is the wisdom of God that moves a wise man to build “his house upon a rock”, that Rock being Jesus Christ and His teachings (Matthew 7:24-25). The wisdom of the world is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 3:19), but true wisdom comes from God alone (James 3:13-17).
Solomon writes of the reward (4:8) and blessing (4:9) of godly wisdom in Proverbs 4.
Proverbs 4:8-9 – “Exalt [prize] her[Wisdom], and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.9 She [wisdom] shall give to thine head an ornament [wreath; winner’s crown] of grace [favor; kindness]: a crown of glory [beauty] shall she deliver to thee.”
Wisdom rewards its adherents with favor in the sight of God and man. It is not surprising when God asked Solomon what one thing would he ask of God, he answered—Wisdom.
1 Kings 3:5-9 – “In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee… 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”
What is the one thing you desire of God?