The Book of Wisdom: Proverbs
Proverbs is the book that dedicates to Solomon son of David (Proverbs 1:1). Solomon is the king of Isreal whom all nations recognizes his wisdom, which was blessed by God. "God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore." (1 Kings 4:29) Basically, we can say that the book of proverbs is the book of wisdom.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Proverbs 1:7)
In order to attain wisdom, there is a need for these 3 elements to be present - the fear of God, wisdom and discipline.
To fear of the Lord, simply means to respect, to listen. In everything that He says to you or commands you, you listen and engrave it deep in your heart, so that you may obey and do: "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They (wisdom) will be a garland (decoration) to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." (v8-9) This means that by heeding their advices, it is as if the parents themselves are guiding you, supporting you right from the back.
Simply, let us put in this way. "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? (Luke 11:11) So, how much more will not the Heavenly Father do good to you? In Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God plans to do good in your life and not bring disaster to your life!
Next, you need wisdom. In order that you may have wisdom, you will have to first listen to the word. It is through the word that you find all answers to your questions. However, knowledge that comes without discipline, bounds to nothing. It is as if you sowed your seeds on to the pavement of rocks where the word is not deeply rooted in your foundation. And when circumstances comes, the hazardous weather shall bury your growth with the soil.
Wisdom is always there. She calls aloud in the street, raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?" (v20-21)
The dangers about refusing wisdom is as such. When calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you, you will eat bad fruit of your own ways and be filled with the fruit of the schemes.
"For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them, but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." (v32-33) So, my friends, are you not going to seek wisdom and in fear of the Lord, perform it in your daily life with discipline? God promises you your safety and freedom. Are they not what you want?
