◄ What Does Proverbs 4:4 Mean? ►

Godly wisdom comes from the Lord and enables the one who is endowed with wisdom to discern what is good, to distinguish between what is true and what is false, and to judge that which is godly and righteous. The principles of gaining godly wisdom are laid down in Scripture, for we are told to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all we need will be provided - including godly wisdom.

There is much written in the Word of God about wisdom, and the young Solomon who was endowed by God with the greatest gift of wisdom, passed on a lot of wise instruction to his sons, much of which he had learned from his father, king David. Like his father, Solomon knew that a child that has been trained up in the way he should go and taught the truth of Scripture, will not depart from it when they are old. 

Like his father, Solomon knew that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and recognised that godly instruction is a family treasure that needs to be passed on from father to son. Indeed, he explained that he himself had been given the same, wise instruction from his father, David, that he was now passing on to his son. "Then he taught me ... and said to me, 'hold fast my words. Keep my commandments and live.'"

Yes, much of the godly instruction Solomon recorded in the book of Proverbs, had been taught to him in his youth. "Let Your heart hold fast to my words," was the serious warning he offered his children. "Keep My commandments and the directives I am giving you, so that you will live a godly and righteous life."

Solomon taught his own children to pay attention to gaining insight into subjects of importance and to cultivate friendships with the older generation, who have a lifetime of wisdom and experience to impart to the youth... to those who are wise enough to listen!

Wisdom affords protection and honour and becomes an enduring quality that provides much reward and respect. Although in later life, Solomon strayed from his father's wise instructions, it is obvious that he had a great deal of insight into the true meaning of life and the best way to live - and many of his wise words are found in the book of Proverbs.

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:6. "The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding." - Proverbs 2:6. "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice. When the wicked rule, the people groan." - Proverbs 29:2. "A heart of peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." - Proverbs 14:30. "A man who is kind benefits himself. The cruel man hurts himself." - Proverbs 11:17. "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver, and her profit better than gold." - Proverb 3:13-14.

Yes, there are many such words of wisdom that are recorded in the book of Proverbs. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and sound understanding belongs to those who practise it... however those that despise wisdom and instruction are considered by God to be fools. The message that this wise man sought to pass onto his sons, was that the road to righteousness, the path to peace, and the highway to a true understanding of the Lord, is hedged about with wisdom from above.

There are many lessons in godly living that are recorded in the book of Proverbs for our learning. But let us never forget that in Christ are found ALL the treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, and we who have been saved by grace through faith have direct access to the Lord Himself, for we have the mind of Christ - and any of us who lack wisdom are entreated to ask God - Who will give generously to all, without finding fault.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wise words that we find in the book of Proverbs. Help me to pay attention to gaining wisdom and understanding, knowing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Thank You that in Christ dwells all the treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Give me a teachable spirit and I pray that I may continue to grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus from this day forward and forevermore. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.