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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
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For
Sunday June 14, 2020
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VALUE WISDOM
(The benefits of wisdom)
(Proverbs 2)
The Book of Proverbs, in
the Holy cannon of GOD, consists mostly of the writings and wisdom that GOD
freely granted to Solomon, the son of David, and the third king of Israel. It contains
an enormous amount of practical instructions for “right living”, according to
the Word of the LORD. The general principles of the Book of Proverbs are
relevant to all people, for all times.
These principles have universal
application, and their importance in Scripture is manifested in the fact that
they share, along with the rest of the bible, a unique view of the Almighty
GOD. And while “wisdom literature”, in the Old Testament times, was not
primarily intended to teach “religious truths”, these writings here in the Book
of Proverbs do, however, reflect the culture’s “exalted view” of GOD in those
days.
Largely, the literary applications, now referred
to by scholars as “the wisdoms writings of the Scriptures”, are contained in “the
poetic books of the Bible”, which are, along with this book of Proverbs, Job,
Ecclesiastes, and several of the Psalms. Through each of the literary forms
that are found in these books, GOD teaches us important, undeniable truths
about HIMSELF, as well as about us.
There seems to be no distinction between
the prophets who wrote these wonderful messages, where it concerns their common
call for “wise righteous living”, or their ever-important invitation for us to
for us to be “wise children of GOD”. When we begin to make prudent decisions in
life, we are, quite literally, demonstrating our fear of the ONLY WISE GOD WHO
created, and “re-created us spiritually”, through JESUS CHRIST, our forgiving
and saving LORD.
Also, at one and the same time, when we
demonstrate GODly wisdom, we are demonstrating our faith that GOD will bless us
because we are willing to do what is right according to HIM. Thus, the theme of
this book of Proverbs can be summed up in one powerful sentence; “The fear of
the LORD is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom”.
The name “Solomon”, which means “peace”,
inherited the throne of Israel from his father, David. His rule as king is now distinguished
as the only peaceful, united, kingdom (he ruled over both, northern Israel, and
Judah) in the history of Israel, and he ruled for 40 years.
Solomon, most likely, began his reign as
king, while still a teenager. One night, early in his reign, the LORD appeared
to him in a dream and offered to give him anything that he requested, because
of his obedience and dedication to HIM, thus far. Solomon asked the LORD for “the
wisdom to properly rule over HIS people in Israel”, and GOD bestowed upon him “more
wisdom than HE has ever given any man, before or since.
In addition, because of the “unselfishness”
of his request, GOD also granted Solomon more riches than he had ever given
anyone before that time. And so, these proverbs were born out of “the divine wisdom
and understanding” that GOD imparted to this young king, that night as he slept
on his bed in the palace of his father, David.
In the Old Testament Hebrew, the word most
often used for “wisdom” is “chokmah” (khok-maw), and it is “good sense and
skill (discernment) in decision-making”. It tends to focus attention on one’s
basic approach to life, especially concerning the “values” and “commitments”
that are expressed in one’s lifestyle, or “walk”.
Here in Proverbs chapter 2, Solomon begins
to speak to his reader concerning the benefits, or “value” of pursuing wisdom. Here
he carefully identifies the nature of wisdom and lists its many advantages. In verses
1-5 we see his use of eight verbs to stimulate our sense of thought. For simplification,
we will use the “New Living Translation” version of the bible as we investigate
his approach.
In verse 1 we see the use of the verbs “listen”
and “treasure”. The first step to obtaining any knowledge of
anything valuable requires that we, first, “listen”. And once we hear, we must
then retain, store up, or, “treasure” that which we heard.
In verse 2 Solomon urges us to “tune”
in and “concentrate” on wisdom. In other words, he wants us to
focus in on learning until we develop complete knowledge and understanding of
that which GOD is trying to teach us.
In verse 3 Solomon says that we should “cry”
out for this insight and understanding of that which we seek to know. We should
go to GOD in prayer for help with all our decision-making, and in verse 4 the
wise king urges us to “search” for knowledge and understanding,
as if we were searching for hidden treasure.
Finally, in verse 5 Solomon tells us that
if we do these things that are mentioned in verses 1-4, we will “understand”
what it means to fear the LORD, and we will “gain” knowledge of
GOD. The LORD desires to grant mankind wisdom that will consistently overcome
the “foolishness” of this world.
If we are to desire wisdom, we must be
willing to put forth the effort that it takes to obtain it. Acquiring wisdom involves
being receptive, hearing with the ear, and applying with the heart. We must
always be diligent, ever searching for the truth, through GOD’s Word and
instructions. Seeking and valuing wisdom will always result in a person’s
understanding the importance of fearing of the LORD, WHO is the source of the wisdom
that we seek.
In verses 7-10 we see some of the “moral
benefits of wisdom”. Whether we realize it or not, wisdom gives us positive,
health-inducing moral benefits. It keeps us out of harm’s way and contributes
to our holiness and spiritual and physical well-being. Wisdom is a matter of
the heart (the way we think) and therefore it influences, through our mindset,
the way we behave (our moral conduct) physically.
Sound judgment (wisdom) leads to success
and victory over the evil influences that we oftentimes face in life. Wisdom forms
a shield around us and protects us, while, at one and the same time, it allows
us to deal equitably with others (right, fair, and just) as we go along our Christian
Walk.
In verse 11 we see a general statement
about wisdom that sort of links verses 7-8 with verses 12-15. There it states, “Wise
planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe”. Through the
protection GOD’s wisdom and discretion, one can avoid hooking up with those men
and women who indulge in, and rejoice in, evil practices that lead to, first,
spiritual, and then later, physical death (Vs.16-19).
In verses 20-22 we see this wise closing advice
that reads as follows; “Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on
the paths of the righteous. For only the upright will live in the land, and
those who have integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from
the land, and the treacherous will be destroyed”. Amen.
A
Sunday school lesson by,
Larry
D. Alexander
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
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