Proverbs 1:1-7 – “The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: ² To learn wisdom and moral instruction, to discern wise counsel.   ³ To receive moral instruction in skillful living, with righteousness, justice, and equity.  ⁴ To impart shrewdness to the morally naive, a discerning plan to the young person. ⁵ (Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance!)  ⁶ To discern the meaning of a proverb and a parable, the sayings of the wise and their riddles.  ⁷ Fearing the Lord is the beginning of discernment, but fools have despised wisdom and moral instruction.”

As I read, prayed, and contemplated the Word of God today, the first few verses of Proverbs 1 resonated deeply with my heart.  In verses 2-7, we get a glimpse of the heart of Solomon at the time of this Proverb.   He offered four steps to spiritual awareness that opened the door to God’s presence and power. Those were: Learning, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

Proverbs 1:2 contains those four elements.  He expands them in the following verses, but those are the foundation.

In a state of learned awareness of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, one can receive discipline because we understand that it is not for punishment alone but also the development of character.   In that state, we learn and develop reverence and commit to the pursuit and practice of justice (God’s, not man’s).   Man’s justice has an element of vengeance in it, whereas God’s is redemptive.

In that heightened state of spiritual awareness, we can give subtlety to those who are naive or easily misled.  We can expose them to discernment because we have been taught.  We can only give what we have.

In Proverbs 8:1, we read an interesting directive. “Therefore, preach wisdom and understanding will answer you.”   (Lamsa).  If we pursue God and His precepts, the light of revelation comes on for us, and we see God’s purposes.

Proverbs 8 is filled with the benefits and necessity of wisdom (God’s). In verse 22, its value to God is revealed. “The LORD created me (wisdom) as the first of His creations before all of His works.”

Two passages that have become a go-to for me are Matthew 6:33 and Jeremiah 33:3.

First things first – Seek God before and above everything.  In finding God, we find wisdom, knowledge, learning, and understanding.  We find peace through surrender.   When we resign as the sovereign of our lives and submit to Him, we become conditioned to enjoy true kingdom living.

In that condition, we cry out to God; He finds fertile soil to plant His seeds of wisdom, which lead us to His fullness and an understanding of His purposes.  The Light comes on!

Do you desire to know His will?  First, seek to know Him. In that knowing (developed relationship and intimacy) comes understanding. Obedience and faith are the keys that unlock the door.  Being willing to do His will is vital to knowing and understanding.

We need to become more aware of God to become more moved and inspired to pursue His purposes. As we know Him, we understand His character and desire for redemption. The harvest is before us. Will we be equipped to reap?

Lord, help us to seek Your wisdom, embrace Your precepts, and enter into Your provisions!