Proverbs 1

I read the proverbs with a bit of shame because truly, wisdom excels folly in every arena.  Wisdom has a voice (20). Sometimes it is the voice of fathers and mothers assuming one’s parents are not fools themselves.  But wisdom is searchable and the beginning of it is with our relationship to the Creator.  There is no fruitful knowledge or wisdom to be acquired if one says in their heart, “there is no God” (see Ps. 14). If the Lord is the eternal cause for all there is, then what can one expect to possess if they reject the Creator and Sustainer of life?  He provides life with purpose and meaning to which all other knowledge can be applied.  Without the Lord as the beginning point of wisdom, the advance of human knowledge will provide no benefit once they appear before God in judgement.  Wisdom, like everything else in Scripture, points to the Gospel.

I mentioned a bit of shame because only till after being condemned as a fool do I see the need to listen to the voice of wisdom.  Only till after the “whirlwind” passes by does the fool cry out for a better path (27).  Thats why wisdom is intended for the youth (4), they are the ones who stand to either lose or gain the most by it.  Though a word of caution for those who are apt to find it.  Wisdom in itself cannot in the end satisfy you.  It indeed excels folly and stupidity in ever arena, but it finally cannot bring your soul peace and assurance.  Wisdom finally then can only point to another answer, the only answer in Jesus Christ.