We continue our study of Proverbs 4 today, a chapter that is Solomon’s recollection of proverbs he received from his father. We discussed Proverbs 4:7 in May; our focus today is Proverbs 4:8-9.
Proverbs 4:7 – “Wisdom [good sense; prudence] is the principal thing [best; most important]; therefore get [acquire] wisdom: and with all thy getting [acquisitions] get understanding [insight; discernment; ability to judge].”
Someone who sincerely longs for wisdom might ask, “How may I acquire wisdom that is beyond mere mortal invention and understanding?” The answer—make the wisdom that God alone imparts your principal desire (4:7)–more important than wealth, riches, possessions and popularity; more to be desired than friends and men’s applause.
Solomon reminds his son that godly wisdom comes with her own blessing and reward (4:8-9).
Proverbs 4:8-9 – “Exalt her [Wisdom], and she shall promote [exalt] thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her [show fondness]. 9 She [wisdom] shall give [deliver; bring] to thine head an ornament of grace [favor; kindness]: a crown of glory [beauty; distinction] shall she deliver to thee [rescue; shield; defend].”
What grand delights Solomon promises his son will be the fruit of pursuing and following after godly wisdom! Embrace wisdom and she will bring you honor. Seek her and she will deliver your soul from trouble.
From whence comes such wisdom? From studying and meditating in God’s Word. It is the wisdom of God Paul described as “the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world” (1 Corinthians 2:7). It is not the wisdom of man [i.e. “the wisdom of this world” – 1 Cor. 2:6].
I close with a passage from Psalm 119 that reminds us the pre-eminence the Word of God should have in our lives. To know, believe and obey the Word of God is the essence of wisdom.
Psalm 119:97-103 – “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. 101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. 102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith