Title: Attentive Longing
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00:36 Engaging with Proverbs
03:38 Proverbs Chapter 2: Paying Attention to the Right Thing
06:03 A Posture to Receive Wisdom
06:50 Receive My Words
09:32 Treasure God's Commandments
11:25 Focus Your Ears
13:35 Incline Your Heart
17:10 Search For Wisdom as for Hidden Treasures
18:13 A Posture of Attentive Longing for God's Wisdom
21:24 The Results of an Attentive Posture
28:05 Understanding Every Good Path
29:09 Wisdom Will Come Into Your Heart
29:50 Wisdom Guards You
32:08 The Purpose of Wisdom
35:57 Do You Have a Posture of Attentive Longing for God's Wisdom?
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In Proverbs 2, wisdom is not something passively acquired but something pursued with an *attentive longing*. Jed Gillis unpacks this passage, urging believers to adopt a posture of focused receiving—one that desperately desires God's wisdom in word and action. The text calls for humility and teachability, emphasizing that wisdom starts with paying attention.
The passage begins with eight commands, highlighting the necessity of *receiving* God's words, *treasuring* His commandments, and *inclining* both ear and heart toward understanding. This is more than casual listening; it’s an active pursuit, like searching for hidden treasure. Wisdom isn’t just about knowing information but about aligning the heart with God’s truth.
Gillis contrasts worldly attention-seeking with God’s call to *pay* attention. In a culture flooded with information and opinions, true wisdom comes not from having the loudest voice but from seeking God's voice above all others. This wisdom doesn’t come automatically—it requires longing, crying out, and searching as if for silver.
The results? Those who attentively seek wisdom will understand the *fear of the Lord*, know *God Himself*, and walk in the right paths. Wisdom acts as a guard, protecting from deception, immorality, and destructive choices. The end goal isn’t just knowledge but a life that remains firm in God's blessing.
The foundation of wisdom is not found in life experience, intellect, or status, but in the simple yet profound act of attentively longing for God’s truth. This is something anyone—young or old, weak or strong—can do. And in doing so, they will not only know the right path but also the God who walks with them.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church
