April 26, 2021 – Proverbs 1-9

The book of Proverbs begins, “The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction” (1:1,2). Not sure where or from whom, but I remember hearing a definition of “wisdom.” It is the God given ability to make right choices. I think that’s a good definition. A really righteous wisdom is not natural to us, it is from God: “For the Lord gives wisdom” (2:6). That’s why James encourages, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

God spoke through Isaiah and reminded us how great is the Source of our wisdom: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8,9). Paul has reflected on this truth: “Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33)

As he encourages us to get wisdom, Solomon, like all the Old Testament, relentlessly pushes us forward to “Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30). In his hymn, “Awake, My Tongue, Thy Tribute Bring,” after praising God for his marvelous works in the universe, John Needham declares that it is in redemption that God's wisdom shines brightest.

Awake, my tongue, thy tribute bring

To Him Who gave thee pow'r to sing;

Praise Him who is all praise above,

The source of wisdom and of love.