“Proverbs are the Piths” (2)
Here’s what we can glean from Proverbs 2:1-5: Ask and You Shall Receive But Wisdom Will Not Just Fall Into Our Lap
Look at the instructions Solomon gives to his children when it comes to getting wisdom, understanding and knowledge for a moment:
In verse one he instructs his son to “receive” (lay hold of, carry along, capture/seize) his words and to “hide” them (store them up as treasure) within himself.
In verse 2 he tells him to “incline” (be attentive) with his ear and to “apply” (to stretch out, turn toward) his heart to understanding.
In verse 3 he tells him to “cry out” (call out, proclaim – do the exact opposite of 1:24-26) for knowledge or discernment and also to ”lift up his voice” (to give to, bestow, designate) for understanding.
In verse 4 he tells him to ”seek” (to desire, request, or even demand) for wisdom like precious metal and to “search” (make thorough effort) for wisdom as he would for hidden treasures.
After doing all of these things, Solomon says in verse 5, “THEN“ his son would understand the fear of God and find the knowledge from God he needs.
The point of these 5 verses is that the reason so many don’t understand God’s word and will in and for his or her life is because they don’t want too! They are not asking for it (James 1:5) and they are not working for it (Proverbs 2:1-5). The wisdom that God is willing to share will not just fall into our lap; if you think it will, then go back and read Solomon’s instructions to his son again. The wisdom of God comes from dedicated humility (think of Solomon’s request for wisdom) and from diligent study (2 Timothy 2:15).
