The Search, The Preservation, The Contrast

(Encouraged reading: Proverbs 2)

v. 1-4 The Search

     The chapter begins with a list of things a man must do to receive wisdom. These verses say he must: receive, treasure, incline his ear to, apply his heart, cry out for, lift up his voice for, seek, and search for wisdom. Wisdom is something we must actively pursue. Even Solomon, who wrote these proverbs, had to search out wisdom. Wisdom is not something that can be fully attained so we always have more to learn and apply to our lives.

v. 5-11 The Preservation

     Though it can seem daunting to pursue wisdom scripture tells us that God will meet those who seek wisdom and bestow knowledge of deeper things upon them. Not only does He want to give you understanding, but he wishes to preserve you from evil.

v. 12-22 The Contrast

     The evil man and seductress do not travel the paths of uprightness and delight in evil and perversity. Worse yet, they want to take others along their path of destruction. Those who follow the wicked will not be safe from punishment. If you stay away from them however, you will remain blameless before the Lord.

Application:

     If we look around, we will see that our world is looking for answers and is trying to attain knowledge. Sadly, many look in all the wrong places. They strip themselves of innocence because they are told it makes them wiser; they dabble in mysticism, cults, and false religions to find “truth”. May we remember that truth and wisdom come from the Word of God, and may we actively seek it.  

Prayer:

     Lord, we invest in the things we are passionate about. Help us as Your children to be passionate to know more about You and Your ways. Let the desire for wisdom burn in us that we may live lives honoring to You!