The Way of Wisdom

Introduction

Name Association

People with stories or writings or meaning

Noah, flood Daniel, lion’s den Jonah, the whale (big fish)

Solomon - wisdom and/or proverbs

Solomon isn’t considered the originator of the proverb, but he certainly seems to be a chief proverb writer (at least speaker)

There are three Old Testament books that make of what we call Wisdom Literature -

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Job

And their place in the Hebrew Bible is found in the third section called “The Writings.” The other two are “The Law” and “The Prophets.”

The Law

The Prophets

The Writings <---------

Solomon, known as the wisest king, is not the only author of Proverbs, as the text itself notes other authors such as Agur and Lemuel. Proverbs are often known as short sayings, but they can also be longer, insightful pronouncements.

One of the critical elements is for us to understand HOW the Hebrews and the people of the time understood wisdom - which we get to.

Wisdom and Knowledge Begin In Relationship with God

We’re actually going to start in verse 7

Proverbs 1:7 HCSB

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Verses 1-7 are a preamble - an introduction that outlines the principles found in the rest of the document or book. Our US Constitution has a preamble and it shares the six principles that the authors considered of greatest importance.

We know that people build buildings from the bottom up. Once the foundation is in place, the rest of the project can move forward. Everything rests on the foundation. Similarly, when a good and hospitable host has people over for dinner, they set the table. And, while I am not an aesthetic wizard, I do know that there are items called the centerpiece, and they tie everything together.

Verse 7 is the centerpiece for the book of Proverbs.

The fear of the Lord is double-edged - it is where true knowledge begins and it is the most essential part of knowledge. This verse says that a relationship with God is the basis of all ethics, moral living, knowledge, and wisdom.

Consider the preamble this way:

Relationship precedes ethics.

Connection comes before correction.

But there is something else staring us in the face in verse 7 -

fools despise wisdom and discipline.

This book is written not for fools, but for the wise. It says something about the contrast between the wise and the foolish.

God is the source of all, including knowledge and attainment of knowledge requires knowing Him in an intimate fellowship.

One cannot gain knowledge of spiritual things if they begin at the wrong point and continue on that path.

Psalm 53:1 HCSB

The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.” They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good.

Wisdom is Actively Demonstrated

One of the most important theological points of Christianity is that the God of the Bible is knowable and accessible. We have direct access to Him in prayer and through His Word. Listen, this is one of things that separates our faith and God from many others.

Verses 2-6 are the outline for the wise life.

Proverbs 1:2 HCSB

For learning what wisdom and discipline are; for understanding insightful sayings;

First, for learning or in some translations “to know” isn’t about head knowledge. The Hebrew word carries a sense of personal encounter that goes beyond intellectual curiosity.

What exists on the other side of curiosity? The removal of the word ‘about.’

When we move beyond curiosity we move into committal.

Committal is on the other side of curiosity. The wise person says I am committed to knowing God, His Word, His commands, His will, His instruction and correction, not simply knowing about these things.

This is the way of wisdom demands a commitment. A commitment to our relationship with God and a commitment to live out that relationship with others. It is meant for instruction, to offer counsel, to give guidance and direction, to share words of advice and words of wisdom. Before these things can take effect (correction), there must be an affect (connection). But to who?

Proverbs 1:4–5 HCSB

for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man— a wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance—

As Solomon was imparting his knowledge to the world, so the wise are commanded to pass it on to the young, also known as the inexperienced.

The wise person is never content to store up truth in their mind.

Verses 3-6 really separate the wise and foolish person. It’s intriguing that the wise person heed the wisdom of the wise, while the foolish rebels against it. Instruction, here is more like discipline or correction. Something that, even when transmitted in love or helpful is disregarded by the foolish.

What is to be instructed?

The way of righteousness, justice, equity, integrity, proper judgment, prudence, and impartiality.

Are these visibly demonstrated in your life?

But we are also called to not be foolish, which means we confront the opposite things, like bias, prejudice, inequity, lack of integrity, poor judgment, and partiality.

Wisdom Brings Humility to Grow and a Desire for Guidance

Proverbs 1:5 HCSB

a wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance—

The wise are open, humble, and receptive. They have the humility and character necessary to receive counsel and instruction in a mature manner. On the contrary, fools do not. The foolish person is too proud, too arrogant, too closed minded, too immature to receive wise counsel. Sharing wisdom with such people is like casting pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). As Christians and as readers of Proverbs, we must have the requisite character and maturity to receive the instruction and the constructive criticism of Solomon in a productive way.

The aim of wisdom sayings cannot be fulfilled without the attitude of the wise.

Even the wise person must heed their own advice!

Verse 5 - a wise man will listen - who are you listening to? Who’s advice are you taking? Who are sharing it with?

And increase his learning - how are you growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ? Who would others know that you are learning from Him?

Growth is not without danger. If we grow, where might it take us? This is where the wise desires guidance.

Guidance is used as a word that comes from the part of a ship that directs the ship - steerings or rudder.

The wise allow wisdom to be the thing that steers the ship.

Logos (Greek) = Word

Logos (Greek) = Wisdom

Logos (Greek) = Jesus

Jesus = Way, Word, Wisdom

If we are to be fishers of men, then our lives must be guided by the wisdom of Jesus Christ. The words of Jesus must be the rudder of our lives, guiding us in every decision and action.

Are you committed to the way of wisdom?