The Strand Study Bible

PROVERBS PROVERBS that will not be sold because it cannot be sold – Prov 4:7 ). Thus, those who value what God values (wisdom) will keep from selling-out to the world, the Devil, and the flesh. One of the reasons our Lord didn’t fall prey to the Devil, the world, and the flesh (Lk 4:1-13) is because He was full of wisdom (Lk 2:40,52/Isa 11:2,3 & 50:4). Wisdom, according to the Bible, is the God-given ability to apply truth to life; to use knowledge aright ( Prov 1:2 ). Simply put, wisdom is the common sense of God. Follow His common sense instead of your own common sense and you will become “priceless” (something that will not be sold because it cannot be sold). Common sense from a human perspective says: -You can’t live better on 90% of your income. But what does “God’s” common sense say (Mal 3:8-10)? -You can’t continue to give and make ends meet. But what does “God’s” common sense say (Lk 6:38 and II Cor 9:6-8)? -You can’t love someone who hates you. But what does “God’s” common sense say (Lk 6:27-29, Jn 3:16 and Rom 5:6-8)? -You can’t forgive those who have hurt you. But what does “God’s” common sense say (Mt 18:21-35 and Heb 12:14-15)? -You can’t be faithful to God and be happy in life. But what does “God’s” common sense say ( Prov 3:13 -15)? -You can’t serve others and expect to lead. But what does “God’s” common sense say (Mt 4:19 & 20:25-28)? According to Proverbs 2:1-4, the key to benefiting from wisdom is twofold: 1. You’ve got to “want” it ( if thou wilt receive my words – vs 1; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; – vs 3; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures ; – vs 4) The first key to benefiting from wisdom is “wanting” it. If you don’t “want” it, you can’t have it. 2. You’ve got to “know where to go” to get it ( and hide my commandments with thee ; – vs 1) The second key to benefiting from wisdom is “knowing where to go” to obtain wisdom. According to Proverbs 2:6, wisdom can only come from the Lord ( For the LORD giveth wisdom : out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding ); thus His Word is our only resource to obtaining wisdom ( Prov 6:23 ). Question: Do you like honey? Well, unless you “want” it and you “know where to go” to get it, you will never experience its benefits ( Prov 24: 13- 14 ). NOTE – Before we learn about the principles of wisdom, we need to fully understand the benefits of wisdom ; for why should we dig for something if we don’t understand its worth? No one digs for precious metals and gems without knowing their worth. 1st benefit of wisdom – A better understanding of the Word of God (Prov 2:4-9) Q: How is a better understanding of the Word of God beneficial? A: Those who understand God’s Word hurt themselves less than those who do not (Hos 4:6). 2nd benefit of wisdom – Discretion (Prov 2:10-22) The dictionary definition of discretion is “ to discern ; to be careful about what one does or says .” How would you like to take back something you did or said? The reason you did or said something you shouldn’t have is because you lacked discretion . So why should we be careful about what we do or say? Because what we do or say can hurt us; and God loves us enough to warn us about the pain we inflict upon 955

ourselves due to a lack of discretion (Gen 2:16-17). Q: Can a person love the Lord and lack discretion ?

A: Yes. Did not Adam “walk with God” before he fell? Did not Solomon “love the Lord” before he left the Lord? (I Ki 3:1-3)? Solomon, who wrote the “book” on wisdom, had little of either (a love for the Lord or discretion ) by the end of his life (I Ki 11:1-9). This means, one can study wisdom, and even write about it, without ever possessing it. Wisdom “applied” is the only sure way to benefit from it. Discretion is what keeps us from running with the wrong crowd and suffering along with them (Dan 3:19-22, Rev 18:1-4, I Sam 31:1-2 and II Sam 21:1-7). THE ADAGE IS TRUE: If you don’t want to be in the same place where God’s judgment is about to fall, then you must avoid being associated with those whom God is ready to judge ( Zech 6: 1- 5 ) According to Deut 17:18-19, to keep (obey) God’s commandments is to “fear the LORD;” to give God the “last say” in our life ( Gen 22: 9- 12 ). Thus, “ the fear of the LORD ” has nothing to do with being “afraid” of God, and everything to do with simply choosing God’s Word above our own (Hag 1:1-12, Job 28:28 and Psa 112:1). Living wisely “adds” to your life a longer peaceful life. Why? Because living by what God’s says keeps you from things that can harm you and shorten your life. For example, those who learn to: 1. talk right … live longer peaceful lives than those who do not (Prov 13:3). The reward of cautious speech is a fuller life and the avoidance of unnecessary trouble. Want a healthier happier life? Learn to talk right (Prov 12:18). First of all, learn to say as little as possible , for the less you say, the less you’ll sin (Prov 10:19). And the less you sin the longer you’ll live (II Sam 16:5-9 & 19:15-20 and I Ki 2:36-46). Learning to say the right thing often means saying “nothing” (Prov 11:12 & 12:23 & 18:13 & 26:4 & 29:11 & 17:27-28). It is better to say “nothing” and avoid being foolish than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Secondly, don’t let everything that pops into your head be said (Prov 29:20). Learn to listen more than you talk. Why do you think God gave you two ears and only one mouth? Thirdly, if you have to talk, talk to God; learn to pray . God would love to hear from you (Lk 18:1-7). 2. pray right … live longer peaceful lives than those who do not (Lk 11:1-3 and Jms 4:1-3) 3. love right … live longer peaceful lives than those who do not (Lk 6:27-35/Mt 5:43-48 and Prov 25:21-22

3rd benefit of wisdom – A longer life (Prov 3:1-3)