Key word: Wisdom
Have you ever been traveling down the secondary highway systems, such as Route 66, and seen signs along the way indicating that a historical marker lies ahead? As you speed by, you glance over to the markers and see a bronze sign off the road a piece, with considerable writing on it. The signs will detail an important event that took place nearby, or an important person who lived in the area. But if you are like me you seldom, if ever, pull off the road and read these markers – and so while they reference important people or events, we have no idea what they are, and we are the poorer for it.
Proverbs draws a biblical parallel. Here are numerous valuable markers just begging to be explored. To zip by with a casual glance would be a crime. We are going to stop, get out of our car and read the markers. We will be richer for the experience.
We will start with wisdom, since it is the overarching theme of the book. It is wisdom for living – practical wisdom to aid us in the navigation of life that Solomon has in mind. As a matter of fact, Solomon opens the book, addressed to his son, to teach him wisdom and instruction (1:1-2). By definition, wisdom is applied knowledge and the mastery of the art of living. Solomon will apply wisdom to dozens of subjects from anger to morals to our work-ethic. But he distinguishes wisdom available to everyone from wisdom available to the believer. In 1:7, he informs us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” In 9:10, he substitutes “wisdom” for knowledge, and thus we will use 9:10 as our key verse.
It is possible to be wise with one’s money and yet live like a fool. Foundational to true wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Ryrie defines this as a reverence for God expressed in submission to His will.” No one can truly live wisely who lacks this reverential fear of the Lord. Unless we bow before His sovereign will and majesty we cannot even enter the highway of wisdom.
Key verse: Proverbs 9:10 - “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
