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Acquire Wisdom!

Proverbs 2:1-11

Covenant language in the ancient Near East used formulary language: "If . . . then." This formula is expressed in the covenant God made with Israel (Deuteronomy 28:1). One of the blessings of living in covenant with God was the acquisition of wisdom—the ability to live like God. The Hebrew word "wisdom" meant "skill." It was used in many contexts to describe the skill needed to accomplish certain tasks (Exodus 28:3; 35:35; 2 Samuel 13:3; Proverbs 30:24-28; Isaiah 40:20, Ezekiel 27:8). So to be wise was to be skillful in living life.

When King Solomon wrote about acquiring wisdom, he used covenant formulary language: "If you will . . . then God will" (Proverbs 2:1-11; a father speaking to his son):

  • If you will receive my words, treasure my commands, listen for wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding (verses 1-2).
  • If you will cry out for discernment and ask for understanding (verse 3).
  • If you will seek wisdom like seeking silver or buried treasure (verse 4).
  • Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (verse 5).
  • Why? Because it is the Lord who gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (verse 6).
  • The result: We will "understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path" (verse 9). 

To live life skillfully we must know and fear God. To those who know and fear Him, He gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

Solomon (at least as a young king) is a living example of the covenant exchange of reverence for wisdom. When Solomon became king, instead of asking God for riches he asked for wisdom to lead the nation (2 Chronicles 1:7-12). God granted Solomon's request and made him the wisest man on earth (1 Kings 4:29-34). The apostle James picked up on this formula when he wrote, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God" (James 1:5).

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