Proverbs about wisdom
In Proverbs, wisdom is skill for living God’s way, and it starts with knowing God (Proverbs 9:10). Anyone who lacks wisdom can ask God for it in faith, and he gives it generously (James 1:5 to 6).
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
The starting point. “Fear” is reverent awe: taking God seriously enough that it changes how you live. “Yahweh” is God’s personal name in the Hebrew Bible.
For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
Wisdom is received before it is achieved. The chapter around it says to search for wisdom like silver, and then says God is the one who gives it.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
The New Testament makes the same promise to anyone who lacks wisdom, with no scolding attached: ask.
Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
A father says it to his son, passing on what his own father told him.
13Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. 14For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is better than fine gold. 15She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
Wisdom is worth more than money, and the verses say so in money’s own terms: profit, return, precious stones.
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
The same comparison as a question, so you can feel the choice.
Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares.
Wisdom is not hidden away for experts. She calls out in the street, where ordinary life happens.
Try this week
Pick one decision you are facing this week and pray James 1:5 over it, by name, every morning until you decide.
With your kids
The same wisdom, for children 4 to 10: Day 1: Wisdom starts with God; Day 2: God gives wisdom; Day 4: Get wisdom.
Hear all of Proverbs, sung word for word, on BibleDo
For your wall: Proverbs art for a Frame TV on Bible TV Art.