Following the Guidelines to Obtain Wisdom, Part One by Loretta Huggins

PROVERBS: GPS to A BETTER LIFE

Blog #11a 

Following the Guidelines to Obtain Wisdom, Part One

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:1-5 KJV).

In the above Scripture, it is the voice of a father giving instructions to his son. Before you or I have a mental disassociation with the scenario in the previous five verses, let us view the passage as God, our heavenly Father, speaking directly to us. Thus, His instructions are outlined as follows:

• · To receive words of wisdom from trustworthy people in our lives.
• · To store (or treasure) the commandments we receive from God and our mentors.
• · To not only listen to wisdom but also to obey wisdom given to us.
• · To seek after knowledge as if we seek hidden treasures.

Then verse five promises that by following those steps, we can gain an understanding of the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Instructions to seek wisdom aren’t just recorded in the Old Testament. Apostle Paul wrote in the New Testament, “…That the God of our Lord Jesus, the Father of glory, may give unto [you and me] the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him” (Ephesians 1:17 KJV).

It is important to take a closer look at this phrase found in verse one, “…store up my commands within you….” This suggests that we should actively seek out and learn from the wisdom of others and then internalize and hold onto that knowledge, not only for present use but also for future use. My husband, Larry, and I seek opportunities to speak with our mentors. We reflect on their teachings, and we apply their teachings to our lives. Larry and I endeavor to make the wisdom we receive a part of our own identities and way of life.

Question for discussion:

1) How might different interpretations of Proverbs 2:1-5 affect our understanding of the relationship between seeking wisdom and understanding and finding the knowledge of God?

Join me next week for part two.

Loretta Huggins, born and raised in San Francisco, CA, has served in the ministry with her husband, Larry Huggins since 1989: administrator, hostess, event planner, and teacher. She has traveled to eighteen countries. She is the co-founder and co-pastor of ZChurch.