“My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, 2So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly]; 3Yes, if you cry out for insight,

And lift up your voice for understanding; 4If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver And search for her as you would hidden treasures; 5Then you will understand the [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] And discover the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5 AMP

As chapter two of the book of proverbs opens, we are given the key to understanding chapter one! In chapter one we see the recurring theme of “the fear of the Lord.” Chapter two now gives us the key to unlocking that concept. Look at the words Solomon uses to describe the process of gaining wisdom; “receive,” “attentive,” “apply,” “seek,” “cry out,” “lift up,” “seek,” and “search.”  Clearly the believer has a responsibility to be involved in the process! The active pursuit of wisdom will lead one to the truth about God resulting in a reverent fear and respect for His ways! Job makes an interesting observation in regard to the acquisition of wisdom,

“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? 13“Man does not know the value of it; Nor is it found in the land of the living.” Job 28:12-13 AMP

Notice that the key to finding this insight is wholly based upon receiving God’s word Pro.2:1. Unregenerate man is blinded by his own pride and arrogance and cannot begin to understand the wisdom of God. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth,

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful] things freely given to us by God. 13We also speak of these things, not in words taught or supplied by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining, and interpreting spiritual thoughts with spiritual words [for those being guided by the Holy Spirit]. 14But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters].”

1 Corinthians 2:12-14 AMP

I love this verse because it puts the issue right out there! The only hope we have is to be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit! (13) Verse 14 speaks undeniable truth of man’s foolishness when it comes to wisdom and understanding. I am reminded of the verse that says,

“There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death” Proverbs 14:12 AMP

If ever there was a time that proved this verse true, we are living in it now! If we are to discover the knowledge of God, we must actively read His Word and cry out for understanding. The challenge is that the closer we get to God the more we see the reality of our sinful condition. However, as the holiness of God is revealed, the greater the impact on our lives is His love demonstrated through His forgiveness!

Take time today to actively seek His face and the grow in the grace and knowledge of who He is! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken