The Book of Proverbs

Study #5: Wisdom

July 25, 2004

Jim Bordwine, ThD

Introduction

This study will be slightly different than previous studies. Instead of simply writing about wisdom in short expressions of Hebrew parallelism, Solomon comments, sometimes at length, on this subject. The significance of wisdom is reflected not only in the way in which Solomon chose to teach on this subject, but also in his use of various synonyms for wisdom. In using synonyms, Solomon reveals the breadth of this topic and this technique helps us understand more precisely just what he means when he speaks on this issue.

Wisdom, consequently, is the most widely addressed topic in the book of Proverbs. This is due, of course, to the fact that wisdom has to do with knowing the mind of God, knowing what He requires of us, knowing how we reflect His character in our desires and actions, etc. True wisdom is what we find in the Word of God.

Some of Solomon's most profound statements are related to this topic of wisdom. As this study will show, the possession or lack of possession of wisdom is a fundamental matter. It is the basis for every decision and action. In a sense, therefore, we could say that the whole book of Proverbs really is about wisdom; it is about knowing God's mind and will.

Our Memory Verse

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Pro. 1:7)

This is one of those verses that set forth the fundamental aspects of a particular topic-in this case, knowledge. Based on Hebrew parallelism, we learn something significant that will help us understand what the Proverbs say about wisdom. This is probably best categorized as an example of antithetical parallelism, meaning that Solomon says one thing in the first phrase, then says the opposite in the second phrase. Let's consider what is said in the first half of this verse.

Solomon states that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. (As an aside, let's remember that “knowledge” in the Proverbs is truth-it is what God has revealed concerning our thinking and conduct.) The word “fear” (yirah) refers to a reverence for God, or the display of piety before Him. This is the word used many times in the Old Testament to describe the proper manner in which we are to relate to God. We are to “fear” Him, meaning we are to have an attitude of absolute veneration and awe, and that attitude is to be the ground from which springs the life we live before Him. Notice, then, that Solomon says something remarkable: This proper attitude toward God is the first step, the beginning point, the foundation-whatever we might call it-for knowledge.

Solomon teaches here (and elsewhere) that knowledge in the true sense has as its foundation the fear of the LORD-or that proper relationship to Him in which the creature stands in awe of his Creator. Solomon does not teach that such an attitude toward God is one element in the obtaining of knowledge; he says that it is the beginning point, which implies that knowledge will not be attained by the one who does not fear the LORD.

The parallel statement, “fools despise wisdom and instruction,” is helpful because it demonstrates in a broader fashion what Solomon means. He uses two synonyms for knowledge: “wisdom” and “instruction.” Knowledge, wisdom, and instruction are all basically referring to the same thing; they are referring to the truth that God has revealed. However one might conceive of truth-as knowledge, as wisdom, or as instruction-Solomon teaches that it must have as its beginning point the fear of the LORD.

Note also what is said about the fool. The fool is the man who despises knowledge, wisdom, and instruction. The word “despises” (buwz) means “to hold in contempt, to hold as insignificant.” Here, then, is the leading characteristic of the fool, according to the book of Proverbs-the fool is the man who counts God's truth as an insignificant thing. And, by way of implication in this parallelism, the fool is also characterized by his lack of fear of the LORD. Since that attitude of reverence and awe is required before a man can attain knowledge, the man who holds knowledge in contempt is also the man who does not have the proper perspective on God.

We might say that there is a “cause and effect” relationship going on here. Without fear of the LORD, without relating to God as He requires, a man will not be able to attain true knowledge. Fear of the LORD is the cause, so to speak, and attainment of knowledge is the effect. Where the first is missing, the second is impossible. This says much about the true nature of the knowledge fallen man rests in. It implies that apart from a right relationship with the Creator, true knowledge is not to be found. Another way to think of this is that rightly understanding our existence, our duties, and so forth, requires as a foundation a proper relationship with God.

We need to take careful notice of the connection here between properly relating to God and possessing that which qualifies as true knowledge or wisdom. This is, as I've indicated, one of those indispensable facts of living in God's world. In a most basic way, therefore, the fool (who personifies everything negative, everything undesirable) is the one who ignores or spurns the instruction God provides in favor of following his own perceptions. This ties in with some of our previous study. As sinners, we tend to rely on our “wisdom” and not give attention to God's wisdom. In fact, we tend to hold God's wisdom in contempt-this is what sin has done to us and it is the state in which we live unless we are regenerated.

Additional Verses

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom

and the man who gains understanding.

(Pro. 3:13)

Not surprisingly, given what that opening verse declares, great and numerous blessings are associated with wisdom. This verse shows again how Solomon uses two terms, wisdom and understanding, interchangeably. He states that the man who “finds wisdom” and “gains understanding” is blessed. The word translated “blessed” (esher) is an interesting term. Basically, it refers to being happy or contented. It is used several times in Proverbs and always describes the state of the one who is doing what pleases God. There is, therefore, a general satisfaction with life that is produced when a man submits himself to the wisdom of God. This is a simple truth, but one that speaks so richly to us.

If we want to be satisfied in this life, or if we want to experience a general peacefulness, or if we want to be contented, we will seek for God's wisdom. Notice that Solomon speaks of “finding” wisdom and “gaining” understanding. There is effort implied here. Solomon speaks as if a man must look for wisdom, as it were, and that, in his natural state, he is not wise and does not have understanding. Again this takes us back to the issue of what we are as fallen creatures and what we are to become as God works in us.

As I mentioned in the Introduction, Solomon doesn't write about wisdom in exactly the same manner he writes about other subjects. This verse comes at a place in the text that will illustrate this idea. In the verses that follow v. 13, Solomon gives a long list of how wisdom is, indeed, a blessing to the one who finds it. This list only underscores the notion that happiness and contentment are produced in us when we are submitting ourselves to God's truth.

Note what Solomon says about wisdom in the next few verses:

The “value” of wisdom surpasses all that is considered valuable in this life. Wisdom is something to be sought, therefore, and it is to be held as worth far more to a man than things like silver or gold-terms that Solomon uses to represent that which is considered as most precious among men (v. 14). In fact, he goes on to say that wisdom is “more precious than jewels,” and in a remarkable declaration states: “and nothing you desire compares with her.” (v. 15) That sentence is indicative of the importance of yearning for and finding God's wisdom. Nothing we desire, Solomon says, is to be compared to wisdom. This truth should drive everyone of us to the study of the Word. We ought to hear this and determine to set aside every goal until we have established as our chief goal the study of God's revelation. He says to us that nothing else we might want or find or be given can compare with what He gives us in His Word.

Solomon continues and says that “long life” is in wisdom's hand. Long life is consistently presented in Scripture as a sign of God's pleasure. And notice the rest of v. 16: wisdom also gives “riches and honor.” Solomon just said that wisdom is better than riches and more to be desired than riches; now he says wisdom gives riches. Obviously, Solomon is speaking in a manner to emphasize the value of wisdom, as he has been doing in this passage. He doesn't mean the wise man will be rich in this world's goods, but that the wise man will have riches of a better kind, a lasting kind. Notice that before, he said that the “profit” of wisdom is better than the “profit” of silver. Solomon is speaking of true wealth which is not necessarily measured in silver or gold. This is a Biblical way of looking at what is worthwhile and valuable in life versus what the natural man judges as worthwhile and valuable.

Further, wisdom provides “pleasant ways.” (v. 17) The word used for “pleasant” (noam) means “delightful” or “beautiful.” This term speaks of an existence that is enjoyable and comforting. This notion is reflected in the second statement: “and all her paths are peace.” Then Solomon says again that life is found in God's wisdom and again he says that happiness comes to those who “hold her fast.” (v. 18)

This kind of description of the blessings that are associated with wisdom continue for several verses. The point is that the very best things to be had or experienced in this life-the very best from God's perspective-are attained in conjunction with seeking after and embracing the wisdom of God. No other topic in this book receives such accolades; no other subject is spoken of in such wonderful terms. Wisdom is the chief asset a man may possess; wisdom is the most valuable thing a man may find; wisdom is the key to a peaceful, pleasant, and happy existence. Exhibiting this wisdom, therefore, should be every person's primary objective-unless a person does not want peace or a pleasant existence, in which case such a person is the fool mentioned in v. 13.

God offers all this to those who would hear and abide by His instructions. The fool is the one who turns his back on what God offers and chooses to interpret and analyze and make decisions based according to his native capacity rather than according to what his Creator tells him. This, then, is the fundament struggle of sinners. They come into this world predisposed against instruction and against learning; they choose to rely on their own creaturely instincts and the result is misery. Only if God intervenes and regenerates the heart can the natural man come to see his need and fulfill his need by embracing the wisdom of the Creator.

Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool,

and so is wisdom to a man of understanding. (Pro. 10:23)

This is an illuminating comparison between the fool and the non-fool. Solomon speaks of that which motivates the fool and that which motivates the man who is not a fool. The fool is characterized by his proclivity for wickedness. Wickedness is the chief attribute of the fool. In fact, Solomon says the fool engages in doing wickedness as if it is sport. The word “sport” (sekhoke) means “laughter, mocking, derision.” The fool does wickedness because he enjoys it; he does it with glee and with a high-hand. Wickedness is the trademark of the fool. The non-fool displays the same zeal for wisdom. To him, wisdom is his chief attribute.

This is a contrast of complete opposites-opposites in terms of fundamental makeup, basic character and conduct. One man is distinguished by stupidity, mocking and coarse laughter; the other man is distinguished by submission to the Word of the Creator.

When pride comes, then comes dishonor,

but with the humble is wisdom.

(Pro. 11:2)

Judging from what we've seen thus far, we should expect to find many, many verses that warn us about the negative consequences of lacking wisdom. This verse was also included in our study of pride. I use it here to draw a connection between pride and wisdom-or, to be more precise, to show that pride and wisdom are incompatible. Pride is the “wisdom” of the natural man-which is not true wisdom at all, of course. His pride is the expression or product of that grasp of knowledge he has in his fallen state. It is not true wisdom; it is a pseudo-wisdom, a false wisdom; it's a wisdom of the alienated creature, not the wisdom of the holy Creator.

Consequently, the natural “wisdom” of fallen man (manifested as pride) must inevitably lead to his downfall. While, on the other hand, the man who subdues his natural tendency to be prideful and, instead, manifests humility, is truly wise. The correlation here is between pride and dishonor, on the one hand, and humility and wisdom on the other. Pride must produce that which is dishonorable; while humility is evidence of wisdom-and we already know all the blessings God says are associated with wisdom.

A fool does not delight in understanding,

but only in revealing his own mind.

(Pro. 18:2)

This is one of my favorite statements about wisdom. Remember that “understanding” is a synonym for wisdom. This is a classic description, therefore, of the fool-the man who chooses not to seek after the truth God has revealed and instead depends on his natural abilities. Solomon says that fool does not find “delight” in wisdom, but only in “revealing his own mind.”

Some definitions are in order. “Delight” comes from a word (chaphets) that means “to take pleasure in.” It refers to that which brings a man the greatest satisfaction. The word “revealing” (galah) means “to uncover, to disclose oneself.” Solomon pinpoints the primary motivation behind the behavior of the fool. He has his most gratifying moments when he is blabbing! The fool has no greater joy than to talk about himself and set forth his perspectives on life. He assumes that his thoughts are so valuable they must be made known to others.

So the fool has no time for wisdom, the wisdom of God. His aim is the disclosure of whatever happens to be rattling around in his head. This is one of the most substantial descriptions of the fool in the book of Proverbs. The fool has a loose tongue; he does not exercise prudence or patience or discernment. The fool does not seek counsel because he thinks he knows everything already. Consequently, the fool will be a man who holds the opinions of others in low regard. The kind of man is the epitome of what it means to be a sinner-he is his own god.

The remainder of verses on the list I supplied to the congregation speak, in one way or the other, about the benefits of wisdom and the consequences of shunning wisdom:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Pro. 3:5, 6)

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. (Pro. 4:5, 6)

“Take my instruction and not silver, and knowledge rather than choicest gold. For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her.” (Pro. 8:10, 11)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Pro. 9:10)

Through insolence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel. (Pro. 13:10)

Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight. (Pro. 15:21)

He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. (Pro. 15:32)

The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility. (Pro. 15:33)

How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. (Pro. 16:16)

He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good. (Pro. 19:8)

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established… (Pro. 24:3)

My son, eat honey, for it is good, Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste; Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; If you find it, then there will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off. (Pro. 24:13, 14)

The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding sees through him. (Pro. 28:11)

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. (Pro. 29:15)

Practical Responses

I think the one practical aspect we must take from this study is a clear understanding of what separates the fool, as described in Proverbs, and the non-fool. The fool is a hopeless person, a person bound to hurt others, disrupt lives, create turmoil, suffer hardship, and endure shame. All this and much more is said about the fool in the Proverbs. On the other hand is the man who is not a fool by the standards given in this book.

In terms of starting points or foundations or first principles, there is only one difference between the fool and the non-fool. The fool has no regard for the Word of God; the non-fool has regard for the Word of God. Their lives may be distinguished by dozens of opposite characteristics, but the underlying first cause is how each relates to the Word of God, the wisdom of the Creator. One man rejects it and goes his way; the other man seeks it and goes the way wisdom dictates.

The sum of our lives is found in how we relate to wisdom. We will accomplish nothing worthwhile if we shun God's wisdom; we will leave nothing behind worth having. But, if we embrace God's wisdom, if we seek for it and humble petition him for it, then the benefits which come are beyond calculation.