04.24.24
‘The Importance of Wisdom’
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. (Proverbs 4:1)
We are calling the 4th chapter of the Book of Proverbs ‘A Life-long Pilgrimage. As we walk through the chapter, we have seen that the first section (1-5) stresses the importance of early training. How wonderful it is if we can be introduced to the gospel of faith and repentance at an early age! So we, as parents, are to present the offer of the gift of salvation to our children when they are young. To come to Christ by the age of twelve is a precious opportunity to live one’s entire life for Jesus Christ.
The next section (6-13) puts emphasis once again upon the importance of wisdom. This is Solomon’s key message in the Book- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (1:7).
Here are Solomon’s words- Forsake her not, and she shall preserve you: love her, and she shall keep you. (7) Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding. (8) Exalt her, and she shall promote you: she shall bring you to honor, when you embrace her. (9) She shall give to your head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to you. (10) Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of your life shall be many. (11) I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. (12) When you go, your steps shall not be straightened; and when you run, you shall not stumble. (13) Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is your life.
Solomon expresses his point in this section by telling us that “wisdom is the principle thing.” It is the beginning point and the ending point. Please be reminded that Wisdom is found in the Living Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the written Word, the Bible.
I am urged to seek and purchase wisdom at any cost. It demands all of my energy and resources. It is worth the cost. Jesus illustrates this with the parable of the pearl of great price [Matthew 13]. It was to be pursued with all energy, haste and cost. Elsewhere [Luke 14} Jesus tells us that unless we forsake all that we have in our pursuit of knowing, loving and serving Him, we cannot truly say that we are His disciple.
When we know Jesus, actually know Him as a Person, through faith and repentance, great blessings flow into our life. Solomon speaks of five of these in our text- preservation, promotion, happiness, steadiness, and the fulness of life!
In contrast, as we study God’s precious Word, we find that our hold upon wisdom will be feeble if it is under-girded by any of the following things: novelty (Matthew 13:20, 21)—getting on the band wagon but not staying there; temporary conviction (Psalm 106:12, 13); restraint (2 Chronicles 24:2, 17, 18)—believing in God only when it is convenient; or, an incomplete knowledge (Galatians 3:1-3)—relying on our works [infant baptism, philanthropy, religious service, etc.] rather than God’s free, undeserved, grace.
All of the Proverbs is rich in truth. The Book is worthy of our attention and meditation. Life is a long pilgrimage. The struggles of life are worth it all when we know Jesus, when we love Him and serve Him.
If we at Immanuel Baptist Church, Westbrook can be of any help to you, please feel free to contact us.