The Pursuit of Wisdom

During the month of April, I am reading (and re-reading) a single Proverb from the Scriptures each day, then writing a verse or short passage from each chapter that I want to dedicate to memory at some point in the future.

I’m amazed at how much value is not only in each Proverb itself but also the short stanzas that make each chapter. The content is devastatingly convicting, so much so that last week I told my mother, “nothing makes me feel more foolish than engaging the wisdom of the ancients”, and I meant it.   

The truth is that the inclusion of the book of wisdom into the Scriptural canon is one of the greatest blessings that the Bible student has. Indeed, the ancient wisdom has proven itself to be applicable in any number of cultures and situations over the millennia. But do not take my word for it. See the below passages themselves and bask in the wisdom they present to you:

Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 1:23 "If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you."

Proverbs 2:6-12 

"For the Lord gives wisdom; 

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 

he store up sounds judgment for the upright; 

he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

guarding the paths of justice

and watching over the way of his saints. 

Then you will understand righteousness and justice 

and equity, every good path; 

for wisdom will come into your heart,

and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

discretion will watch over you, 

understanding will guard you, 

delivering you from the way of evil, 

from men of perverted speech,"

Proverbs 3:3-12 

"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; 

bind them around your neck; 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

So you will find favor and good success 

in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 

It will be healing to your flesh 

and refreshment to your bones. 

Honor the Lord with your wealth

and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

then your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your vats will be bursting with wine. 

My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline

or be weary of his reproof,

for the Lord reprove him whom he loves, 

as a father the son in whom he delights."

Proverbs 3:21-27 

"My son, do not lose sight of these--

keep sound wisdom and discretion,

and they will be life for your soul

and adornment for your neck.

Then you will walk securely,

and your foot will not stumble.

If you lie down, you will not be afraid;

when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Do not be afraid of sudden terror

or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, 

for the Lord will be your confidence 

and will keep your foot from being caught. 

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, 

when it is in your power to do it. 

Proverbs 4:23 "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Proverbs 4:25-26 
"Let your eyes look directly forward, 

and your gaze be straight before you. 

Ponder the path of your feet; 

then all your ways will be sure." 

Do you not see the virtue? Do you not hear the truth of these warnings and encouragements? These are merely verses cherry-picked from the first four chapters (of the seven I've read thus far).

Who knows what great truths await me tomorrow...

“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”