Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

• Proverbs 1:1-7

“You have here before you the advice of King Solomon, rightly considered one of the wisest of men. It is worthwhile to listen to what Solomon has to say; it must be good for the most intelligent young person to listen; and to listen carefully, to what so experienced a man as Solomon has to say to young men. But I must remind you that One greater than Solomon is here, for the Spirit of God inspired the Proverbs! They are not merely jewels from earthly mines, but they are also precious treasures from the heavenly hills, so that the advice we have here is not only the counsel of a wise man, but the advice of that Incarnate wisdom who speaks to us out of the Word or God! Would you become the sons of wisdom? Come and sit at the feet of Solomon! Would you become spiritually wise? Come and hear what the Spirit of God has to say by the mouth of this wise man!”

• Charles H. Spurgeon, The Spurgeon Study Bible (Spurgeon on Proverbs)

From an introduction to the Proverbs by Solomon to an introduction to the Proverbs by Charles Spurgeon about Solomon.

This introduction sets the table for what is to come.  It provides the benefits to wisdom, listing a variety of demographics.  I like the idea about the wise who can learn even more.  I think that once we quit learning, we have quit living.

We should desire earthly wisdom.  Earthly wisdom places us in good stead on this earth.

But while many of the proverbs provide good practical advice, the key here is to understand the fear of God, for that provides godly wisdom.  And connecting with God on a level of godly wisdom is the foundation for learning in the spiritual realm.

And to understand the last line, we must understand the biblical definition of a fool, one who does not believe in God.  Without a belief in God, how can you have any understanding on a spiritual level.  The fool does not accept the wisdom, in most cases not even at the earthly level, and without a knowledge of God, intellectually or spiritually, there is no foundation upon which to build knowledge upon.

And now let us sing.

The following song is sung by Kristyn Getty, The Perfect Wisdom of Our God.  Of course, it is written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty.

“The perfect wisdom of our God
Revealed in all the universe:
All things created by His hand
And held together at His command.
He knows the mysteries of the seas,
The secrets of the stars are His;
He guides the planets on their way
And turns the earth through another day.

The matchless wisdom of His ways
That mark the path of righteousness;
His word a lamp unto my feet,
His Spirit teaching and guiding me.
And O the mystery of the cross,
That God should suffer for the lost,
So that the fool might shame the wise,
And all the glory might go to Christ!

O grant me wisdom from above,
To pray for peace and cling to love,
And teach me humbly to receive
The sun and rain of Your sovereignty.
Each strand of sorrow has a place
Within this tapestry of grace;
So through the trials I choose to say:
“Your perfect will in Your perfect way.”

• Stuart Townend and Keith Getty, The Perfect Wisdom of Our God

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord,
We need Your wisdom.  We need to learn.  We need to grow.  We need to grow closer to You.  Give us that eagerness to learn.  We desire to be more like You.
In thy Name we pray.
Amen

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.