Proverbs 2

Asa I read through Proverbs 2 there is one key concept, besides wisdom, that sticks out.

One key metaphor

They words in verses 12,13,15,18,19, and 20

-Ways” and “Paths”

Based on the consistent use of these words I would propose that what Solomon is wanting to teach is that wisdom protects us on our path…helps direct what path to take.

Here in chapter two (1-9) Solomon starts with a challenge to the reader to listen to the Word of God.

Chapters three and four will start in a similar way as well.

These first 9 verses contain 8 commands.

Proverbs is a very straightforward and blunt book…it just lays it out there

It does so with imagery at times but it’s not a lengthy discourse

These commands give the believer ways in which to not only walk with God but ways to walk with God in a way that glorifies Him.

The commands:

-v 1 receive and hide

Receive (or accept) God’s word and hide (or store up) it in our minds and hearts

-v 2 incline and apply

Incline your ear (position yourself to hear) and apply them to your heart

-v 3 cry after and lift up your voice

Cry after knowledge (call out with intent) and lift up your voice (give a verbal invitation) for understanding

-v 4 seek and search

Seek (Matthew Poole “unwarried diligence) for wisdom and search (track it down) after it

If we want wisdom we need to listen to God, obey him humbly, ask for wisdom, and seek Him and His wisdom

Listen- Matt 13:9

Obey- John 14:15

Ask- James 1:5

Seek- Isaiah 55:6-7

Obtaining wisdom isn’t a once-a-week hobby…it is a lifetime of daily discipline.

Our culture of “it’s easy”

Books

Food

Television

If we do our part God will keep his promise to protect us and give us the wisdom we need. (7-8)

Like Psalm 119:11

We are willing to work diligently at our jobs, our hobbies, our desire...

But what about applying ourselves to the application of the wisdom of God’s word to our lives?

There is a price to pay to be successful in this life...

There is a price to pay to get ahead

There is also a price to pay for wisdom

Put off/Put on

Denying self and pursuing the Savior

But there is an even greater price to pay if we don’t pursue wisdom.

Part 2

Walking with the wicked (10-19)

Here we meet “the evil man” and “the strange woman”

Their ultimate goal is to lead the children of God away from wisdom

The evil man does this by his “froward” speech

He is using deceit…crooked speech (12, 14)

He is a part of the group in 1:10-19

The strange woman, adulteress in 7:1-27, does not use froward words but flattery

Wiersbe notes that flattery isn’t communication but manipulation

It’s telling people what they wished they heard and wished were true

The strange woman is skillful in her use of flattery

It doesn’t matter which of these two you listen to…either will guide you to life (19)

Solomon begins the chapter with My son…IF

Verse two has “so that”

In verse 9 we have “then” referring to the evil ones

He ends the chapter with verses 20-22 and verse 20 starts with “that”

Solomon starts with the goal…describes the dangers of the evil ones…and ends with the solution

Part of the pursuit of wisdom is to gather together with likeminded people

To have other godly friends that follow the Word of God

Wickedness seems to be winning but verse 20 tells us that if we stick to wisdom and friends who are wise we will stay on the path of wisdom.

THe believer that makes wisdom a priority…a pursuit…dare I say even an obsession

Will be like the tree in Psalm 1:3

The safest and most satisfying path is the path of wisdom.