Proverbs 1

 “Give me wisdom.”

That is what Solomon, the son of David asked God for as a young man who had the responsibility to govern the Lord's people as king. “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:9)

In the New Testament, James assures us that we all should seek wisdom from God. “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)

This book of proverbs written by Solomon and others has a purpose. These words are given to us to help us to have wisdom and insight so that we can know the right way to live before God. This collection of proverbs will help us grow in prudence and discretion if we allow the Lord to use these sayings powerfully in our lives. They are the guidance and instruction of a good Father to His sons.

How open is your heart to the One who is the Wisdom of God? How willing are you to listen to Him? We should expect Jesus, the Son of David, to speak to us through these words. We want to be like young Samuel who heard a voice from heaven coming to Him in the night and said, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

The first proverb in this book informs us of the posture that we must have before the Father who loves us. We need the fear of the Lord. It is the beginning of knowledge.

It is foolishness to forget the greatness of God and to approach Him and His Word as just one among many other voices. To think that the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us! Even now Christ is in you! We should fear the Lord, trembling at His holy Word, and receiving His merciful benediction.

Listen to your Father. Don't fall for the enticement of sinners who urge evil upon you. Don't find your identity in your connection with some gang of men. Find your meaning first in God and in His Son, Jesus. Let all other associations flow from your primary union with God through Jesus Christ, your Lord.

The warning given here is solemn, and it should be sobering. People forget about God and make plans to abuse others for their own selfish gain, but they fall into their own traps.

The One who is the Wisdom of God is calling out to you now. Jesus was full of the Spirit of God, but where did that wisdom lead Him? To testing. To suffering. To the cross. But then beyond the cross, to glory. He reigns over heaven and earth as King, and He sends forth His wisdom to you as a gift. Receive His correction. Love His wisdom.

His voice is the only one that leads to life. Every other pathway leads to destruction.