Proverbs 2 is where we find the second wisdom appeal or instruction. In verses one and four we see treasure mentioned. The commentary in the SBL Study Bible says that treasure is introduced as a symbol for wisdom. In Proverbs 1 wisdom is a lady crying out. In Proverbs 2 wisdom is valuable and we are to prize it as treasure. Let’s consider verses 1-5.
There are three if’s and one then to describe the benefit of wisdom we receive if we meet certain conditions.
#1: ACCEPTANCE– In the tone of teacher to child, “if you accept my words and treasure my commandments within you,” (NRSV) Did you know that we can set our hearts to resist? We can also set our hearts to accept the words and commands of the teacher that is wisdom. This is the first condition, to settle internally that we will accept what wisdom has to say. I believe we grow into this and prepare ourselves to hear what will make us better. We can condition ourselves to love wisdom and truth.
What is the evidence of our internal acceptance? Verse 2 says it is twofold: an attentive ear and an inclined heart.
- “…making your ear attentive to wisdom…” This is the first proof of accepting wisdom. We must avail our ear. Think about the voices we allow to influence our thoughts and actions. Think about how willing we are to lend our ear to the voice of wisdom. Paying attention to our habits helps us understand the conditions for closing our ear. Proverbs 2:1-2 NRSV explain our conviction and decision before interactions with wisdom. We must treat it as treasure and give our ear to it. We see nothing about liking or disliking what wisdom may say. This is part of spiritual maturity, to learn to accept wisdom.
- “…and inclining your heart to understanding…” Wisdom speaks into and beyond our present. Being teachable and wanting to learn from wisdom help us manage our heart posture. Do our hearts lean in or pull back? Do we want to only take from wisdom or will we extend the effort to understand? Enter humility. If we are used to doing something well and enter into wisdom, we may discover how much we do not know or the depth we lack. This is good for us, to learn from godly wisdom and grow.
#2: CRY OUT & RAISE YOUR VOICE: “…if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding…” This reinforces the earlier point to be humble when receiving wisdom. Acknowledge that wisdom knows more and desires to impart. And when we receive, let us be determined to understand. Understanding is not just internal, where we gain satisfaction at understanding the words of wisdom. Verse 1 says wisdom has commandments, too. Understanding is knowing how to obey.
From a place of humility and with a teachable heart, let’s cry out for insight. Show us, Lord. Show us, wisdom. We value what you have to say and share. Raise our voices for understanding. This is a theme emerging to not take or receive from wisdom without understanding, without knowing how to apply our learning. This is the Lord’s way, how we have relationship with Him. Let’s go beyond knowing about Him. Let’s understand.
#3: SEEK & SEARCH LIKE WISDOM IS VALUABLE: “…if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures–“ Wow! How do we value wisdom? Is it good enough to lift us from present mysteries and chaos and confusion? Or do we prize the stability and fruit of wisdom so much that we seek it out as valued treasure? One way this is applicable is in our decision making. Do we launch out or do we pause to intensely seek wisdom? Do we see and acknowledge the missing pieces in our lives and seek wisdom for insight? Do we raise our voices to the Father and insist that we cannot proceed without his wisdom? How do we seek and search? Like we need a fix? Or like we need the Father’s voice to guide our choices?
#4: THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND & FIND: “…then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Hallelujah! This is powerful. What we do not read is that we will find answers to the questions we have. Wisdom reveals God’s mind and calls us into His mind. Wisdom is an upgrade in our thinking. We find a principle of God’s mind Isaiah 55: 6-11.
6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake their way and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (emphasis added)
Receiving wisdom will always require us to extend because we are encountering God’s mind. There exists a gap between godly wisdom and our mind. An attentive ear, inclined heart, cry for insight, raised voice for understanding, and an intense search are what we need to seek God’s mind and wisdom. How we do these things varies for each one, but all are necessary to gain and grow.
If we meet the conditions, then we will 1) understand the fear of the Lord and 2) find the knowledge of God. I love this! We can come to the Father with specific questions, detailed asks, and after a moment with wisdom, leave with the fear of the Lord and godly knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10), the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), and God shares his secret/friendship with those who fear him (Psalm 25:14). Isn’t this better than an answer to our questions?
When I was younger I did not value wisdom? It was around me, speaking, crying out, and I wanted my answers. I have learned to value wisdom, to seek it before acting, to search for it to help me make decisions. Wisdom is the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7) and I want to know it for how to live my life and show up for myself and in my relationships. I want to say the right things. I want to save and not waste time by my good choices. Wisdom will help us, wants to help us. Let’s choose to meet the conditions and give ourselves for wisdom to teach us. Selah, and amen.
