Proverbs, chapter 2

As I mentioned yesterday, Proverbs is about a search for wisdom. Today, in chapter two of Proverbs, Solomon explains the moral benefits of wisdom. Let's face it, much of this world has lost its way in terms of morality. Unfortunately, this departure from morality has affected me too much because it has made me a very bitter person. It is this bitterness that has led me here to Proverbs, ironically, because I am seeking the wisdom to get away from it.

 ¹ My son, if you accept my words
       and store up my commands within you,

 ² turning your ear to wisdom
       and applying your heart to understanding,

 ³ and if you call out for insight
       and cry aloud for understanding,

 ⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
       and search for it as for hidden treasure,

 ⁵ then you will understand the fear of the LORD
       and find the knowledge of God. – Proverbs 2:1-5

Seeking wisdom takes work. The payoff, however, is clear if we seek it. Once again, understanding the fear of the Lord does not mean we have to be afraid of what God has for us. It means we must be receptive to His teachings and respect what He can do for us. Part of the reason for the lack of morality in the world is that people have fallen away from this. I am not immune to this, as it is not uncommon for people to shy away from hard work. This is hard work that pays off, however, as it opens the door to so many other things.

 ²¹ For the upright will live in the land,
       and the blameless will remain in it;

 ²² but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
       and the unfaithful will be torn from it. – Proverbs 2:21-22

This is another reason that I like the book of Proverbs. The author, Solomon, is very straightforward. He plainly states what the consequences are if we do not seek the moral wisdom that God offers. If we stay upright we are promised eternity because that way walks with God. If we walk in the ways of man, however, we will be cut off from God.