The benefits of wisdom far outweigh what one can receive from earthly riches. True wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge, but a transformation of character. Proverbs 1 has entreated us to pursue wisdom; Proverbs 2 tells us how to pursue wisdom (vv. 1–4) and then sets forth the great benefits of wisdom (vv. 5–22).

Some people read verses like James 1:5 (‘But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him’) and imagine that God simply zaps us with the quality of wisdom when we ask Him. Proverbs explains that God grants wisdom by means of a process. In order to gain this treasure, you must exert effort in digging deep for it. The word ‘if ’occurs three times in verses 1–4, indicating specific conditions for the blessings that are promised in verses 5 and following.

The Wisdom is free, available, and is God’s to give (All wisdom is God’s wisdom). The Question is whether or not we will pursue it…part of the benefit is the journey! — Pastor Justin

Modified from:Newheiser, J. (2008). Opening up Proverbs (pp. 44–45). Leominster: Day One Publications 

Proverbs 2

Wisdom's Worth
‍
2 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 listening closely to wisdom
and directing your heart to understanding;
3 furthermore, if you call out to insight
and lift your voice to understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it like hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 
7 He stores up success  for the upright;
He is a shield for those who live with integrity
8 so that he may guard the paths of justice
and protect the way of his faithful followers.
9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice,
and integrity—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
11 Discretion will watch over you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 It will rescue you from the way of evil—
from anyone who says perverse things,
13 from those who abandon the right paths
to walk in ways of darkness,
14 from those who enjoy doing evil
and celebrate perversion,
15 whose paths are crooked,
and whose ways are devious.
16 It will rescue you from a forbidden woman,
from a wayward woman with her flattering talk,
17 who abandons the companion of her youth
and forgets the covenant of her God;
18 for her house sinks down to death
and her ways to the land of the departed spirits.
19 None return who go to her;
none reach the paths of life.
20 So follow the way of the good,
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will inhabit the land,
and those of integrity will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the treacherous ripped out of it.  

Reflection Questions

1. What stands out to you in this passage?

2. What does this passage teach us about God?

3. What does this passage teach us about Man?

4. What purpose does this passage call us to live out? 

Pray whatever the Lord lays on your heart as a result of this passage.