Throughout this study, we have seen how God expects His people to grow in wisdom – not wisdom that is of the world, but wisdom that comes from above. As we have gone through this study, we have divided the material in the book of Proverbs into four sections:
- The appeal of wisdom – God has not hidden His wisdom so that we cannot find it. He offers it to us. Solomon describes wisdom as inviting us to take hold of it. This invitation is open to all, just for an elite few.
- The appreciation of wisdom – When God calls us to take hold of His wisdom, He does not do so without giving us the reasons why it is good for us to pursue wisdom. There are blessings that come from following wisdom and negative consequences that come from rejecting wisdom.
- The acquisition of wisdom – Once we recognize the appeal of wisdom and understand the reasons why we should appreciate wisdom, we then need to know how to acquire wisdom. With diligence and a proper attitude on our part, we can gain the wisdom that God offers.
- The application of wisdom – Wisdom is not just about what we know, but what we do. Therefore, the bulk of the book of Proverbs (and roughly two-thirds of the material in this study) focuses on how we are to apply wisdom. This will cover every area of our lives – home, work, society, and religion.
Our pursuit and application of wisdom is something that must be done throughout our lives. Our present and future happiness depends upon our remembering this fact.
“My son, eat honey for it is good, yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste; know that wisdom is thus for your soul; if you find it, then there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off” (24:13-14).
Our souls – our entire being, including our existence beyond this life – is benefitted by wisdom. By following wisdom, we can look forward in hope to a future reward from God. But in order for this hope to be realized, we must not turn back from following wisdom.
“Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, and give attention that you may gain understanding, for I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my instruction” (4:1-2).
“Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth” (4:5).
“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart” (4:20-21).
“Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil” (4:25-27).
Never forget the appeal of wisdom, in which God invites you to take hold of the wisdom that has been His since the beginning.
Never forget the need to appreciate wisdom, remembering the blessings that come from following wisdom and the pitfalls that come from rejecting it.
Never forget the need to acquire wisdom, in humility seeking to obtain it diligently.
Never forget the need to apply wisdom, following the will of God in every area and at every age of your life.
I pray that this study has been helpful to you, encouraging you toward more faithful service to God.
