Proverbs 4:1-9, the Beginning of Wisdom? Get Wisdom.

4/13/10

Time: 35 min

Main Idea: The tradition of the father passed down to the son is to seek wisdom and insight.

What I learned about God: Wisdom can only be a garland and a crown to the unrighteous if Christ is the source of a believer's wisdom. "He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption." 1 Cor. 1:30

Summary: The father shares with the son the wisdom of seeking wisdom (redundant much?). This seems to be conveyed in the idea of his repetition of the principle of seeking wisdom (vv. 5, 7) and also in the fact that he reiterates the promises of seeking this wisdom in verse 9 (cf. 1:9; 3:22). Repetition is the biblical author conveying a main idea and stressing importance in the writings. This is not just a moot point, but the father stresses the seeking of wisdom into his son's life.

Verse 7 shares that under the umbrella of fearing the Lord, the beginning of wisdom is seeking wisdom. This seems like a cyclical argument, but in layman's terms it is saying this: "Do you want wisdom? Come and get it". Spiritual laziness and laxness was seen even in those days and must be something sought after. There was no retreat or revival to spiritually jump start the young lass, but it was the continual seeking of wisdom that would impress upon him the fear of the Lord. A "garland" was a wreath worn on the head as an ornament for festive occasions. In this example, the works of wisdom are to be worn on the head not as a burden, but as a beautiful ornament. The use of "garlands" gets pushed even further when Luke accounts in Acts 14:13 the people bringing garlands to Paul and Barnabas when they thought they were gods, to which Paul and Barnabas tear their garments and stop the madness at once. Paul and Barnabas knew that it was not theirs to wear the garland of grace, but to remember the only one who was the personification of the wisdom of God: Christ.

Application: Everyone at school would love to wear the garland of wisdom. Being academic and trying my best are certainly veiled attempts to "get ahead of the pack" even in seminary. I know I suffer from the temptation to study for study sake. I will write off my achievements and share that I only strive for good grades because I want to pursue higher education later on. While somewhat true, even that is not a good reason to robe myself in this garland and receive the praise which should be due to Christ, my true garland. A reflection of my grades should not be equated to the amount I have studied or how great of an intellect I am, but in all things I want to share that my wisdom is from Christ; the personification of God's wisdom. By applying this, I will continue to pray before every test and assignment to place my mindset not upon myself or my grades or how others see me, but rather Christ would receive the garland because He is my wisdom. Soli deo gloria.