Proverbs Pt. 17 Embrace Wisdom With Humility.

Psalm 5:7  But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

We enjoyed a great Lord's day with our church family this morning. The weather was very fall like and incredibly beautiful. We praised the Lord in songs and hymns and listened to Pastor preach from John's gospel. I hope that you all were able to worship God today and that your spirit was encouraged.

Exalt and Embrace Wisdom.

Proverbs 4:8  Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 

We learned about the meaning of imperatives in our last study together. This word can refer to something that is of vital importance and it also means something that is commanded. As we see some more imperatives in our texts today, it helps to remember that both of these meanings are in view. 

What does it mean to use personification? To personify something is to ascribe human qualities or feelings to an idea or thing, in this case, to wisdom. King Solomon continued to personify "wisdom" as "her" or "she" because the Hebrew noun is female in gender. As a literary device, personification is a very good tool to illustrate a concept or make a point. Guided by God's Spirit, this is what the king did in writing the book of Proverbs. 

What does it mean to exalt her (Wisdom)? First, this word contains the idea of casting up a highway or roadbed. It is like surveying where a road should go and then building a road bed that smooths out the high spots and fills in the dips. The result is a stable highway that facilitates travel. Therefore this word has the meaning of elevating and extolling wisdom. It is connected to worship and raising our voices in praise to Jehovah because we treasure our relationship with Him.

What happens when we make much about the wisdom from God? King Solomon told his son that if he exalts wisdom, wisdom would promote him. The word "promote" means to be lifted up or elevated, very similar to the word translated "exalt." The idea behind this word is connected to humility before the Lord. All those who seek wisdom from God must do so with a humble heart and contrite spirit.

Jehovah acknowledges the humble.

Isaiah 57:14-15  And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. 15)  For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. 

The words "cast ye up" is the same Hebrew word translated "exalt her." Isaiah speaks of preparing to meet God and he spoke of making a straight highway, filling in low spots, smoothing out high spots as a straight path is made. Removing the stumbling block means wisdom can remove obstacles that get in the way of our relationship and experience with Jehovah. 

Pride is one of the 7 things God hates. It must be removed. This is the idea behind wisdom promoting those who exalt her. Pride must be cast out. Arrogance and the know it all attitude must be taken away and replaced with genuine humility. Jehovah will dwell with all who have a humble heart and contrite spirit. 

Wisdom brings blessings from God.

James 4:9-10  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. 

1 Peter 5:6-7  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

I cited two New Testament texts above that help clarify what Solomon is teaching his son and us. Humbling ourselves, being abased before God is the posture of a humble heart and contrite spirit. When we realize that in our flesh dwells no good thing, we must lean on our God. He will lift us up and exalt us. Exalting wisdom is preceded by recognizing our humble place as sinful creatures redeemed by grace before our Creator and God. 

King Solomon also said that wisdom will bring honor to those who fully embrace her. The idea here is that wisdom from God will govern what we think, say and do. It will lend a gravity when we think about our choices and soberness to our actions. Wisdom reminds us that we are responsible to God to think, act and speak in accord with how His Wisdom guides us. 

Proverbs 4:9  She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. 

The idea of an ornament of grace is when wisdom's sweet influence in us leads us to live a life that is attractive, a life that brings glory to God. It is a life that is marked by humility, grace and meekness. 

Finding the good path to follow.

Proverbs 4:10-12  Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. 11) I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. 12)  When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 

King Solomon spoke to his son again urging him to hear and heed instruction from his father. The king made the connection to the law of God about obeying one's parents and the blessing of a longer life.

Exodus 20:12  Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 

The text above records what God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai. This is the family structure God has put in place for families. Every child must learn to obey authorities in their life. Parents are responsible to teach their children this truth because when children obey their parents, they are obeying the authority God has put in place for them. This Godly instruction will teach the children the need of obeying God because it has a promise that leads to a long life for those who will submit to parental  authority, and ultimately to God. 

Thoughts to Ponder....

Why is there so much repetition in the book of Proverbs? The simple answer is that God knows this is what we need to hear and read so that it sticks with us. 

King Solomon emphasized to his son that he carefully taught his son about the way of wisdom and showed him the right paths to follow. Seeking wisdom opens the door to be blessed in various ways by our gracious God.

If you stop to think about it, this is one major reason God gave us the Bible. Scripture will show us why were are here, what His purpose is for us and how we can have a relationship with God. The Word of God gives us light for living a life that pleases God even in the midst of an out of control culture. 

Are we seeking His wisdom? Have we experienced peace with God through repentant faith in Jesus Christ? Has the Lord taught us genuine humility?  These are questions that only wisdom from God can provide an answer for. God will grant us wisdom if we earnestly seek it and apply it with the way we live. Our chief aim is to live for the glory of God. I pray that this is the desire of all our hearts.

Bob