Founding Principles of Wisdom

Proverbs 3:1-18

1 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.

The foundation of wisdom begins with God’s law of commandments.  This foundation on the word of God is unmoving like bedrock, unlike the philosophy and platitudes of man which is but shifting sand in the winds of uncertainty (Matthew 7:24, 26).  Yes, the wisdom gained from this foundation brings life and peace with God and man.  On top of this foundational word, we add mercy and truth; they are to be worn around our necks to adorn our minds, and to cover our hearts as if inscribed in them (Proverbs 7:3, Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10).  By building on these things, we find grace and wise esteem before God and others.  Mercy is God’s favor for us to in turn give to others as well, adding to our esteem as part of holiness which we are taught to grow into to imitate Christ in us.  Above these foundational elements we must be trusting in God (Philippians 1:6, 2:13) wholeheartedly for understanding, not ever imagining we know better than He does.  If we lean on our own supposed intellect and reason apart from that which our Lord imparts, we are not acknowledging it is His work and wisdom which directs our lives appropriately.  Leaning on Him and trusting His wisdom straightens our ways to walk righteously and in the right direction.  This means we are not to be wise in our own eyes, but in God’s, and fear Him instead of fearing what we fail to do in our own abilities and efforts.  Yes, we humbly heed God’s word to flee from evil as He defines it, and we then find true strength in a healthy spiritual life.  This applies to our possessions as well, for all is owned by God and we are to steward these well for His glory and not our pleasure alone (though He does give us things to enjoy as we see in 1 Timothy 6:17 and in the examples of others in scripture).  By giving first to God, He gives more than we can imagine for our needs.  Another foundation of wisdom after mercy, truth, humility, holiness, generosity, and trust is accepting discipline from the LORD as Hebrews 12:5-7 repeats from verses 11 and 12 here.  God is our Father who wants the best for us, and the only way to correct our disobedience is through that loving correction.  We therefore should never get mad or frustrated by His discipline in circumstances and rebuke through others serving Him.  He corrects us in love to become like his Son according, to His Word.  The lesson then is to find happiness in gaining understanding for real wisdom, which is far more valuable than any material riches we could ever call treasure (Matthew 6:21, Luke 12:21, 33-34).  Kingdom valuables are in reformed character from God’s work in us and our love for and trust in that work.  This wisdom is our true treasure with which nothing else can ever compare!  This wisdom learned from God brings pleasantness and peace in our very being, unlike unfounded philosophies and supposed wisdom learned from man and his corrupted nature.  Our God-given wisdom we hold on to is a tree of life as originally made for us in the Garden, bringing lasting and true happiness in the Lord forever in His presence (Revelation 21:3-4), based on these foundational principles of wisdom. Some parting thoughts: First, we must not forget what God lays out for us to do, but value it so much as to fill our heart and so obey willingly and eagerly.  Living then guided by the truth with mercy (speaking the truth in love) in our heart will honor God and show the love for others in His image that He commands us.  He will so keep us in perfect peace with our mind stayed on Him.  Second, do we really trust God and seek to find answers from His word and Spirit's understanding?  When we do this, acknowledging Him as the source of all, then we find the way to walk.  When we obey and seek righteousness and truth, then we fear Him and find spiritual health.  Let us be wise in HIS eyes!  Lastly let us ask ourselves, Do I really give God my best - always?  Do I give first to Him as I get more?   This is the only way to truly prosper, and the way most struggle with.  He honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30).