Jesus, the Wisdom of God
07.31.24
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. (Proverbs 8:23)
We continue to be at the heart of the teaching on wisdom in Proverbs, the ‘book of wisdom.’
Repeatedly Solomon has urged his son to seek wisdom. He has spoken as a parent.
Here the instruction reaches its highest point as Wisdom is pictured as an independent being. As someone has said, “A pure, seeking heart will see in these verses our Lord Jesus.” Paul reflected of Christ, In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
In our text, three truths are presented that identify wisdom with our Lord Jesus. Last week we considered two of these.
First, we saw that He was with Jehovah before Creation (22-26). The members of the Trinity are all eternal. They are Three yet they are One.
Second, we were told that He aided Jehovah in Creation (27-29). In all the creative work of God, Wisdom was with Him. Each member of the Trinity had part in creating time, space, and matter in the beginning.
We come now to the third reason we can identify the wisdom presented in Proverbs 8 as being the Lord Jesus Christ. We know that the Wisdom in this passage of Scripture is Jesus because He has mutual love for the Father and for mankind (30, 31). Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
How interesting and sweet it is to see that the members of the Godhead love one another and communicate together. The love of God’s people and their mutual fellowship is based upon this precious truth.
The delight of Wisdom is to be with the Father and to do His work. The Psalmist echoed this (Psalm 40:8), as did our Lord Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 17:23-26).
Solomon concludes this chapter with reminding us that wisdom is the one necessity of life (32-36). Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso finds me finds life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD. But he that sins against me wrongs his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Wisdom, the Lord Jesus Christ, provides all that we need (35). This includes life and favor. To Wisdom, to Christ, we must give heed (34). Eternity is at stake. We are to hear, watch and wait daily (36).
What have you done with Jesus? Neutral you cannot be.
If we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you, please feel free to call upon us.