The opening verses of Proverbs 2 are a father’s invitation to his son to seek godly wisdom. Solomon, knowing the initiative to pursue and follow after wisdom must arise within the heart of a son or daughter, challenged him to “receive…hide…incline…apply…criest after…liftest up…seekest…and searchest” for wisdom with all his heart (Proverbs 2:1-4). The king promised his son that his dedication to seek and apply godly wisdom would be rewarded:
Proverbs 2:5 – “Then shalt thou understand the fear [reverential worship] of the LORD, and find [attain; get; acquire] the knowledge of God.”
That 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 and insight] for the righteous [just; the man who follows God’s Law]: he [the Lord] is a buckler [shield; protector; defense] to them that walk [behave; go] uprightly [with integrity; soundness].”
“Sound wisdom” [uncommon practical sense, insight and discernment] is the reward for those who fear the Lord and walk according to His Law. Our nation has rejected God, turned from His Word and substituted “book learning” for the wisdom God alone gives men who love and revere Him. American society believes a “good education” makes a man wise—it does not! Godly wisdom and discernment belong to the righteous whose hearts and thoughts are disciplined by meditating in God’s Word (Psalm 119:9-11).
The Lord not only rewards those who obey His Law, He also promises to be their “buckler”, literally, a shield and protector for those who have dedicated their lives to be men and women of integrity.
My friend, you say you want to be successful? Seek the Lord, meditate in His Word and obey His Law!
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.”
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith