the-lord-gives-wisdomOur yearlong study of the book of Proverbs brings us today to Proverbs 2:22, the closing verse of that chapter.  Solomon has taught his son that the Lord alone is the source of godly wisdom and discernment and He will bless and keep the man who hears and heeds godly instruction (2:6-8).

Proverbs 2:6-8 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 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]. 8 He keepeth [continually guards] the paths of judgment [justice], and preserveth [guards, keeps a watch over] the way of his saints.”

In contrast to God’s loving care of those who choose the path of righteousness and walk in godly wisdom is the tragic end of those who follow the way of sin (2:22).  Once again we are reminded that the way of the transgressors of God’s Law is hard (Proverbs 13:15).cut off tree

Proverbs 2:22 But the wicked [ungodly; criminal; guilty] shall be cut off [cut down; destroyed] from the earth, and the transgressors [deceitful; unfaithful] shall be rooted out [plucked up; destroyed] of it [the earth].”

The godly pursue wisdom and righteousness and the Lord promises He watches over and will keep them; however, the end of the wicked will be hard—“cut off…rooted out” (2:22).

I close with a reminder that, although the wicked often appear to prosper in their sin, God is just and He will bring them to judgment.  The Lord has promised His people who love Him and follow the path of righteousness that He will preserve them and keep them as a treasure.

Commit your way to the LordPsalm 37:1-5 – “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. 2  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. 3  Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4  Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith