Proverbs 2

The teacher makes his second appearance in chapter 2, after “Lady” Wisdom has shown us what will become of the unwise in the preceding verses. Here, the teacher tells his students why it is such a good thing to obtain wisdom, now that they have seen the disaster of ignoring it. In short, by obtaining wisdom, a person will come to fear God, for wisdom and knowledge come from Him.

The first four verses speak of the value of wisdom, likening it to a great treasure, as the teacher seeks to give it a high priority in the minds of his students. Verses 5-6 tell us that God Himself is the very source of wisdom, setting out the theme of the remainder of the discourse.

then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:5-6

Verses 7-11 are interesting, for in these verses, Solomon tells us that wisdom and knowledge will become part of who we are if we seek to obtain them. A man or woman who obtains wisdom will be protected and guarded by God all through their lives, in fact. This raises for us an interesting philosophical question: Since wisdom and knowledge become part of who we are, how are we really protected? Does God shield us, or is it really the wisdom and knowledge He has given us that protects us… or are they really the same thing? If nothing else, this is a thought worthy of our consideration.

The next section, vv. 12-15 seem to give an answer to our questions: Wisdom will protect us from evil men and their wicked ways; we will see through their scheming and stay clear. Verses 16-19 go on to tell us that wisdom will protect us from the ways of “adulterous women” who seek to lead a man off the righteous path and into the arena of immorality; I would suggest that the same would be true for lustful men who seek to lead a righteous woman from the path of God as well. The last 3 verses provide encouragement in that wisdom will lead a person on the right paths and enable them to avoid those paths that readily lead the foolhardy to destruction.

After 2 complete chapters, a picture is developing here for us to discern: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We find wisdom when we earnestly seek it, and that path leads us to the fear of the Lord, then wisdom becomes a part of who we are, and protects us from evil.

Interesting, isn’t it?

Do you suppose that “wisdom” could be a “type” that is fulfilled in the New Testament somehow?