His Ambassador Blog

Proverbs is a book known for its applicable wisdom. Written by Solomon, the son of David and the third king of Israel. The Lord told Solomon that He would give him anything that He asked for. Instead of asking for riches, power, or anything of these sorts, Solomon asked for wisdom and the Lord greatly blessed him with such. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs so for the next 31 days of May we’re going to take a look at the wisdom in each one. 

Chapter Nine: Finding wisdom.

There a some things to understand about wisdom that we will understand once we begin to gain it. Chapter 9 details some of those things for us about finding wisdom and the character that wisdom gives to us. 

“Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”(v.7-9)

One thing about those with wisdom is that they will be teachable. It is impossible to impose wisdom on those who will not listen. To gain wisdom, you have to welcome it. Those who are growing in wisdom, knowledge, and maturity will want to hear the truth. They will want to grow, they will listen to advice from those deemed as wise. I once read someone who compared wise people to bees as they find flowers and extract pollen, making it into honey. Wise people are faced with situations where they gain knowledge and make wise decisions based off of that knowledge. 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.”(v.10-12)

Again, wisdom comes from the Lord. Wisdom begins with a right relationship with God. It is only through Him that one can gain wisdom. Having the knowledge of the Lord will better help you understand the world around you and why things are the way that they are. Wisdom doesn’t help you know everything, but it can help you best use what knowledge you do have. Because wisdom so helps you, it will make your life longer and more plentiful. You get to reap the benefits of the wisdom you have, but if you refuse wisdom you will be left dealing with the consequences alone. 

“The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.”(v.13-18)

Before, Solomon personified wisdom, now he is personifying folly. He compares folly to a seductive woman who offers everything a man might want yet can truly give him nothing. Like wisdom she calls out with a call that makes those lacking in wisdom turn their heads. She lies and says that what she offers (even though she doesn’t offer anything) is sweet and pleasant. Those who follow her find death, destruction, and most devastatingly, separation from God.