Lady Wisdom comes to the place where society meets and cries out (Proverbs 1.20). She calls the wise to obtain, grasp, and not let wisdom depart.
She encourages constant and diligent attention to be given to the teaching of wisdom, not neglecting or overlooking a single detail.
My child, do not let these escape from your sight:
keep sound wisdom and prudence,
And they will be life for your soul
and adornment for your neck. (Proverbs 3.21-22)
Why is it so important to pay diligent attention to wisdom? First of all, wisdom was God’s agent in the founding of the universe.
The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
by understanding he established the heavens;
By his knowledge the deeps broke open,
and the clouds drop down the dew. (Proverbs 3.19-20)
“Logos” is the word translated in the Gospel of John for “word”. Some understand it to be “wisdom”.
When referencing Proverbs and John, the connection is made: God’s wisdom is Logos. His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the agent of creation in the universe.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people (John 1.1-4).
Wisdom is not separate from a relationship with God. When we acquire wisdom, we seek it from the Lord Jesus Christ.
When Lady Wisdom comes to the street corner and cries out for us to obtain wisdom, she is saying, “Obtain an intimate, trusting relationship with the Lord.”
Sleeping Soundly
God is not like a vending machine where we put in the right behavior and get the desired result. God is a loving Lord who desires to be known and loved.
When we live with Him, we do not guarantee a peaceful, easy life.
On the other hand, there are multitudes of testimonies where walking with God has enabled people to live life securely.
They can sleep even amid difficult times.
They don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but they know the one who’s holding their hand in the midst of all of life’s chaos.
Then you will walk on your way securely,
and your foot will not stumble.
If you sit down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3.23-24)
Do Not Be Afraid
The central theme of Proverbs is “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1.7).
The fear of the Lord is best understood as living in a love relationship with God, where we humbly receive His guidance and follow Him.
People who live in the fear of the Lord do not fear some of the things that commonly trouble humans.
Then you will not be afraid of sudden panic
or of the storm that strikes the wicked,
For the Lord will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught. (Proverbs 3.25-26)
How?
How can we attain the wisdom that Solomon speaks of in these verses?
I believe the key lies in living in the fear of the Lord.
Cultivate a deep, loving relationship with God. Dedicate time to intimate fellowship with Him, through prayer and studying the Bible.
Humbly seek His direction, and once you discern it, follow His guidance wholeheartedly.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny, and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 