BibleProject | The Wisdom of ProverbsSample

Chapter 2: Wisdom and the Knowledge of God

2nd Speech from Father to Son

This entire chapter is the father’s second speech to his son. It is more encouraging (and a little less bloody) than the last one, but his tone is still urgent. If you seek out wisdom you will find it, but you’ve got to look hard.

V4-5

“Look for [wisdom] as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure.” Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

How badly do you want wisdom? Do you value it as something rare and precious? If so, you’re going to have to work for it like a man digging for gold. The good news is that God is pleased to give wisdom and success to people who seek it, so get ready for the most important treasure hunt that exists! But ye be warned of greed or pride: the best way to succeed is to stay humble and continue to ask God for help.

In verse 5 we learn that “the fear of the Lord” is synonymous with knowing God. Like a child who touches fire and learns its true strength, when we know God, we humbly revere His huge, all-encompassing power. This transforms our stance towards Him, as well as our behavior. Don’t worry if this sounds intense! The father promises that as wisdom “enters your heart,” you will have direction and guidance, and knowledge “will be pleasant to your soul.”

Verses 12-22: There’s a lot of imagery here about the landscape of good or evil paths. The father warns about two specific dangers on the journey: you are going to encounter people who take shortcuts in life at the expense of others (wicked men), or who tempt you to break your marriage covenants for easy sex (the adulterous woman). These people may seem thrilling at first, but their cheap, twisted, “dark ways” will lead you to misery, or, as the father says, on “paths to the spirits of the dead.” Yikes. Remember, wisdom will keep you away from the grips of these people and will lead you to a life of stability and joy.