Once more as we turn to Chapter 4, Solomon urges his children to “get wisdom”. He pleads that they listen and learn of all that Godly wisdom would teach them; because there is where they can find the paths of peace, hope, and happiness. He knows too well how easy it is to stray or for their feet to wander off the path. He knows all too well how easy it is to let their eyes stray from the truth. Temptations and folly are always surrounding them. The very nature of the human heart bends toward that “which is easy”, that which gives immediate gratification, and toward dissatisfaction with what one has. So, once more he pleads that they search for wisdom and with it understanding.
Illustration courtesy of @istockphoto.com
Whatever the cost, seek God and His wisdom. You may say, but my life is too busy to take the time to study my Bible, to invest in Bible Study, or to spend time in prayer. As Chapter 4 of Proverbs points out, gaining God’s Wisdom and understanding is the fundamental part of all that you do; without which all your busyness will count toward nothing.
I urge you to read the whole of chapter 4 so I have included it here in the NIV-UK version.
Proverbs 4(NIV-UK): 1Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 For I too was a son to my father,
still tender, and cherished by my mother
4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,
‘Take hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honour you.
9 She will give you a garland to grace your head
and present you with a glorious crown.’
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evildoers.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
16 For they cannot rest until they do evil;
they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
I want to re-iterate verse 7” The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
You cannot afford to go about your life without studying God’s word every day of your life.
I hope you take the time to watch this video I found on youtube titled The Wisdom of God
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”