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GAIN GOD'S WISDOM AT ALL COSTS (Books study series - Proverbs) - Message no. 13 PROPOSITION: GAINING THE WISDOM OF GOD MUST BE THE PRIMARY AIM IN YOUR LIFE NO MATTER WHATEVER THE COST. Solomon is challenging his children to pursue the wisdom of God at all costs.
It seems that there are two different personalities that gave two major personal sections here.
Two major sections given by two personalities:
1. Solomon (Proverbs 4:1-4a)
2. David (Proverbs 4:4b-9)
I – ATTENTION TO THE WISDOM OF GOD – v.1-4a This is the exhortation of Solomon.
We can see in verse 1, that Solomon is charging his children to become totally absorbed of getting the wisdom of God.
Solomon said Proverbs 4:1“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.”
Kawikaan 4:1 ““Dinggin ninyo, mga anak, ang turo ng ama, at makinig kayo upang magkamit kayo ng unawa;” FILIPINO VERSION
The word “hear” means to listen to something to the level of understanding it and obeying it. The word “give attention” means to perk up your ears. The particular Hebrew form of this verb – Hiphil imperative which means it was a command to cause yourself to become totally attentive to the procedures of gaining understanding of the wisdom of God.
The words, “ye children” indicate as usual a new section returning, after the break of Proverbs 3:27 to the old strain of fatherly counsel.
Notice the beginning phrase “Hear ye children”, Solomon here proposes himself as an example of docility; but in such a manner, that he refers all the advantages of his education which he received earlier from his father and his mother under the blessing of Divine wisdom. Solomon wants to appear that he is as tender and respectful and by his sincere regards to his parents, particularly to his mother, to whose eulogy Solomon has consecrated almost the whole Proverbs 31.
The words, “Hear ye children, the instruction of a father” – refers to a spiritual father, namely, me, Solomon, your teacher, who have paternal authority over you, and great affection for you. The “instruction,” literally, discipline; disciplinary instruction in Hebrew “muwcar” (H4148). We are all so drowsy, that our attention needs to be continually aroused. But disciplinary instruction must be done lovingly, so that we may feel that our instructor to be at the same time at the same time “a father” and friend.
We can see here, a grateful son recites the domestic piety of an illustrious father. David talked much with his children on religious subjects. But Solomon, wiser than all his brothers, was David’s beloved son, and shared more of his father’s favors. David made religion the first purpose of paternal upbringing, because religion was in David’s highest importance far before the throne, and all materials in this world. The Lord Jesus also has taught us that he said, “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” yea, the good part which shall not be taken away. David well understood the importance of religion, and therefore pressed it on the minds of his family by a daily sweetness of instruction. It is not little thing to say that every father has it more or less in the power of his hand to do the same.
Principal instruction in Psalm 4:
1. Parents ought to take the utmost care to instruct their children diligently and accurately. Above all things, the
excellence of wisdom, holiness, and virtue is to be instilled. – Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
2. Parents are to be cautioned against evil company, as the ruin of youth, the wretchedness of youth life
who live wickedly, and the happiness, comfort and satisfaction of them who live piously and virtuously, are to represented and taught. – Proverbs 4:14 “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.”
3. Parents are to be taught how necessary it is to be constant in reading good books, especially the scriptures,
(Proverbs 4:21 “Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart”), and to have an upright heart, sincerely disposed to follow such directions. Watchfulness, also over the senses is commanded, as necessary to preserve the affections from being corrupted.
Here, we can see in verse 1 that it is like calling his pupils and listen to how a father instructed his child. Solomon is saying that as he received from his father David teachings is what he also gives them, and what he is teaching them were the teachings of a wise and affectionate parent to his only son, a peculiar object of father’s regards, and also of a loving mother. Solomon also introduces the subject to show that the teaching he received, and which he was about to give them, was the most excellent kind of teaching. By this Solomon ensured the attention of the listener, and made his way to their heart. Teaching by precept is good, teaching by example is better, but teaching both by precept and example is best of all.
Two reasons for Solomon’s exhortation: A. Solomon exhorts because his doctrine is good – v.2 Proverbs 4:2 “For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.”
Kawikaan 4:2 "sapagkat binibigyan ko kayo ng mabubuting panuntunan: huwag ninyong talikuran ang aking aral." FILIPINO VERSION
The words “doctrine” and “law” or “instruction” NASB, means apparently there was some type of systematic study that Solomon wanted his children to learn and master.
Notice the words “For I give you, good doctrine” means that is not vain or foolish, much less false or harmful counsels, but good doctrine are as true and profitable. It means that is knowledge orally given and received.
It is "good," as having God for its author, and it has the truths of everlasting moment to us for its subject-matter, and our salvation for its ends. Solomon speaks as representative of God, whose law is that which Solomon here commands.
It is very significant for Solomon as a father, that he wanted his children pursuing good and sound doctrine or teaching for we as parents must always be concerned that our children are learning good doctrine.
B. Solomon exhorts because his doctrine is taught – v.3-4a Proverbs 4:3-4a "For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. 4 He taught me also, and said unto me,"
Kawikaan 4:3-4a “Noong ako'y isang anak sa aking ama, bata pa at tanging anak sa paningin ng aking ina, 4 tinuruan niya ako, at sa akin ay nagwika,” FILIPINO VERSION
Solomon looks back from his glorious throne and his matured wisdom to the training which was the starting point. The part of the wisdom taken by Bathsheba in I Kings 1, no less than the friendship between her and Nathan, indicates that a mother’s training might well have laid the foundation of the king’s future wisdom.
Solomon words “I was my father’s son”, meaning it is not only his own advice that he has to offer; he can tell his listeners of the excellent discipline and teaching he received from his parents in his old home.
Solomon said “For I was my father’s son,” Literally, “I was a tender and delicate child, and the only son of my mother.” In a special sense, his best beloved son, and designed to be his successor on the throne. The word, “only son”, NASB, this may be taken in the sense in which the Septuagint have translated it, and which we have followed. Greek and Latin authors often express by this epithet an only son or a first-born. Again, as Solomon said, “For I was my father’s son,” Solomon is saying “May father taught me as his true son, even as I teach you, I obeyed him, and it has been well with me; you do the same.”
Notice the words “only beloved,” in KJV, literally “only”, in its derived sense, “beloved like an only son,” as the word “yachid” originally signified an “only (son) as in Zechariah 12:10 “as one mourneth for his only son”, during when Jerusalem to be attacked.
Although it is very difficult in understand verse 3, but it is very possible that the main point of verse 3 is when Solomon was growing up, his father and mother took a personal interest in him and parted unto him the importance of grasping the wisdom of God. There are at least four boys that the union of David and Bathsheba had produced: Solomon; Nathan (in the Davidic/Christological line – Zechariah 12:12 “the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart,”; Luke 3:31 “Nathan, which was the son of David”); Shobab; Shimea All four of these boys were born to David and Bathsheba while they lived in Jerusalem (I Chronicles 3:5 “And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:”). Solomon never felt as if he had been lost in a shuffle; but Solomon always knew he was special to his father and mother. The words “only beloved” means beloved above all the rest and simply cannot mean that Solomon was David’s only son by Bathsheba, for other sons by her are named in (I Chronicles 3:5). So, as applied to Isaac and is called Abraham’s only son (Genesis 22:2 “And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac,”; Genesis 22:12 “thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.”; Genesis 22:16 “hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:”), though at that time he had Ismael was then living. The “Only one” ESV, is used to express one peculiarly beloved. In Greek translations it is rendered “only begotten” and “well beloved” epithets applied in their highest sense to our Lord Jesus Christ, as the “only begotten” (John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”), the “beloved” (Ephesians 1:6 “he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”) (Matthew 3:17 “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”).
The word here “Tender” means young and tender in years, and tenderly educated. This is exactly answers to the words of David, this is epithet applied to Solomon by his father David (I Chronicles 29:1 “Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender”). Solomon is saying “I was dear to my parents, my father, from my tender years, “taught me” (Proverbs 4:4). It is the truest mark of love on the part of the parent to teach the child in the ways of heavenly wisdom; and to leave a child untaught is virtually to act as if you hated him. So, our word here is “unique” for a thing pre-eminent in kind [and so the Greek, “agapeetos (G27)]. The Masoretes (were a group of Jewish scribes who helped preserve the text of the Old Testament Scriptures and developed notes on the text based on Jewish traditions) mention another reading, “among the sons [libneey (H1121)] of my mother,” for “in the sight of [lipneey (H6440)] my mother.” All that Solomon says, show that it was with good reason he called his teaching “good doctrines” mentioned verse 2.
Then let us go to the beginning part of Proverbs 4:4
Proverbs 4:3-4a “He taught me also, and said unto me,”
Kawikaan 4:3-4a “tinuruan niya ako, at sa akin ay nagwika,” FILIPINO VERSION
Solomon is saying here concerning the advice to him by his father David. We must look upon our teachers as our fathers, though instruction carry in it reproof and correction. David advice Solomon in I Chronicles 28:9-10 “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. 10 Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.”
Solomon said “He taught me also, and said unto me,” signifying that the following verses, at least as far as the tenth, are represented as containing the words of David, Solomon’s father, that the name of so great a king, and so holy a prophet like David, might add the more authority and efficacy to Solomon’s counsels to his listener.
What Solomon wanted the young or his children to know is that the wisdom of God, which he was teaching them, are the sound teachings that Solomon got from David, their grandfather. Therefore, Solomon was passing down to his children the same information or instructions that he received from his father David when Solomon was growing up.
- - - - - CONTINUATION - PART 2 - - - - -
II – ACQUIRING THE WISDOM OF GOD – v.4b-9 Twice in verse 5 and three times in verse 7, we can see the verb “get” or “acquire” which is the key verb in this section. This verb actually means to acquire by purchasing.
David wants to emphasized to his son, is that no matter what will be the price, no matter what the sacrifice requires, don’t give up, remain to give yourself to the aim of acquiring the wisdom of God. Be determined to acquire the wisdom of God no matter what.
Eight charges that David gives to Solomon: A. David charge Solomon to “retain my words.” – v.4b Proverbs 4:4b “Let thine heart retain my words:”
Kawikaan 4:4b “Panghawakan ng iyong puso ang aking mga salita.” FILIPINO VERSIO
The words “retain my words,” the counsel which has come to Solomon in substance, from his father David.
David gives Solomon advices, and Solomon retains David's instruction. Likewise, Solomon tells his children to open their heart to receive all his instructions and also retain and practice those instructions like what Solomon did to his father David.
B. David charge Solomon to keep the commandments of God – v.4c Proverbs 4:4c “keep my commandments, and live.”
Kawikaan 4:4c “Tuparin mo ang aking mga utos, at mabubuhay ka.” FILIPINO VERSION
David charge Solomon to obey the commandments of God, so likewise Solomon urges his children to actually practice in their lives all those instructions that was instructed also to him by their grandfather David. True wisdom consists in obedience, and true wisdom united to happiness. David is saying “thou shalt live.” It is a strong promise in the form of a strong command or prohibition. So, all thy ways will be safe and to fear will be a sin. (Proverbs 3:25 “Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.”). C. David charge Solomon to become skillful in God’s wisdom – v.5a Proverbs 4:5a “Get wisdom,”
Kawikaan 4:5a “Kunin mo ang karunungan,” FILIPINO VERSION
The word "Get" in Hebrew (yik·neh) means to acquire or buy, like a merchant, sparing neither toil nor cost to make thyself possessor of the one pearl of great price. (Matthew 13:45- 46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”).
Get wisdom, take all costs of pains for acquiring it. Get the rule of wisdom over man’s corruptions opinions; take more pains to get wisdom than the wealth of this world.
True religion is essential to your happiness. Don't just be busy and got weary without any happiness on it because of lack of wisdom. Don't be contented of being involved in religious activities, you must do it with God's wisdom.
D. David charge Solomon to obtain a deep understanding of God’s wisdom – v.5b Proverbs 4:5b “get understanding:”
Kawikaan 4:5b “kunin mo ang kaunawaan” FILIPINO VERSION
E. David charge Solomon not to deviate from the aim of gaining God’s wisdom – v.5c Proverbs 4:5c “forget it not;” – v.5c
Kawikaan 4:5c “huwag kang lumimot.” FILIPINO VERSION
Never forget the teachings of true religion. Don't take any step without asking God's wisdom. Pray to God then read to acknowledge God's Word to fill you with God's wisdom before doing any task whatsoever you pursue in your daily life. David warns Solomon not to deviate from the primary purpose of gaining God's wisdom before anything in this world.
F. David charge Solomon not to turn to a wrong direction – v.5d Proverbs 4:5d “neither decline from the words of my mouth.”
Kawikaan 4:5d “ni sa mga salita ng aking bibig ay humiwalay.” FILIPINO VERSION
By taking, and keeping to holdfast of instruction, we shall avoid being straitened or stumbling. Never go aside from the path prescribed by the true Biblical teachings. Solomon charging his son Solomon not to decline from the belief and practice of all the words of instruction he had taught him, that is why Solomon reminded his children also not to decline from all the words of wisdom that he taught them. G. David charge Solomon to pay all costs for gaining God’s wisdom – v.7a Proverbs 4:7a “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:”
Kawikaan 4:7a “Ang pasimula ng karunungan ay ito: Kunin mo ang karunungan,” FILIPINO VERSION
Wisdom is the principal thing means it is the most excellent of all possessions.
Wisdom is the principle. It is the central or the most important point in all religion to know the true God, and what God requires of man, and for what God has made man, and to this must be added, under the Christian dispensation, to know Jesus Christ, whom God the Father hath sent, and for what purpose Christ was sent, the necessity of Christ being sent, and the nature of what salvation which Jesus Christ has bought by His own blood.
We cannot succeed in teaching children, but by repetition; on which these charge or directions so often vibrate on our ears, and mostly under some new and engaging aspects.
After Solomon instructed his children that the wisdom is the principal thing as what David his father taught him, Solomon advise them “therefore get wisdom.” Because God’s wisdom is considered as person’s chief gain, which all wisdom, knowledge, and endeavors should be directed to it.
The beginning of wisdom is to get wisdom (Proverbs 16:16 “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver”). To seek is to find, to desire is to obtain.
The world’s maxim, on the contrary, is, money is the principal thing, therefore get money, and with all your getting get more.
Contrast to the wise man’s admonition: 1.) The will and heart must be inclined by the Holy Spirit to it; otherwise, precepts are vain.; 2.) You begin to be wise, when you begin to love and seek wisdom.
It is a great thing to wish to be good, provided you do not content yourself with idle wishes.
H. David charge Solomon to pay all costs for gaining God’s understanding.” – v.7b Proverbs 4:7b “and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Kawikaan 4:7b “sa lahat mong kukunin ay kunin mo ang unawa.” FILIPINO VERSION
The words of David to Solomon “and with all thy getting” that is to let wisdom be their chief property. While we are passing through temporal things, we do not lose those eternal things, and, while diligent in business, be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord”. Translated “Do not be slothful in zeal,” ESV
In spite with the costs of all things in this world, though it cost someone the loss of all that person has or, in, or among all that he has, a person is charge with all zealousness to get understanding.
Amidst of all the things you have accomplished in this world (your possessions), you must acquire wisdom, because without God’s wisdom the others will be useless, and even hurtful.
As David encouraged Solomon to make God's wisdom his chief property therefore get understanding, so, Solomon encouraged his children the same to make God’s wisdom their chief property as eternal, then he said to exhorts them “get understanding,” David words to Solomon and Solomon's words to his children is not to be contented merely with the lessons of wisdom; not to be satisfied with having a sound religious creed. Although devils believe and tremble, but they must see to it that they properly comprehend all that they has learned and see that they rightly apply all instruction that has been taught to them. Don't just to the church sitting, listening, without any understanding of the preaching and teaching from the pulpit.
Wisdom prescribes the best result and the best means to attain it. Understanding directs to the ways, times, places, and opportunity of practicing the lessons of wisdom.
Wisdom points out the requisite thing; understanding sees the accomplishment and attainment.
Wisdom sees, but understanding feels.
One person discovers, the other person possesses.
A person who seeks wisdom is already wise, and a person who know the value of wisdom and seeks to possess it is wise.
Seven benefits that David gives to Solomon: 1. David enlivens (pinasigla) Solomon that the person who pursues this will live – v.4d Proverbs 4:4d “and live.”
Kawikaan 4:4d “at mabubuhay ka.” FILIPINO VERSION
David gives Solomon the benefits of obeying God's commandments that is to assure he will live well. Solomon instructed also his children that if they will keep God's commandments they would live the great purpose of being brought into the world that they would accomplish them, and as the blessed result they would have life in its highest sense, both for time and eternity.
2. David equipped Solomon that the person who forsake not wisdom will be protected – v.6a Proverbs 4:6a “Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee:”
Kawikaan 4:6a “Huwag mo siyang pabayaan at ikaw ay kanyang iingatan” FILIPINO VERSION
The Wisdom here is represented as a guardian and companion, who, if wisdom is not forsaken, will continue faithful; if wisdom is loved, will continue a protector. If you forsake not wisdom, wisdom will not forsake you, but will preserve thee.
A person must be ready to pay all costs just to gain understanding. While we labor for other necessary things, see to it, especially, that we do not neglect this God’s wisdom.
3. David explained to Solomon that the person who loves wisdom will be preserved – v.6b Proverbs 4:6b “love her, and she shall keep thee.”
Kawikaan 4:6b “ibigin mo siya at ikaw ay kanyang babantayan.” FILIPINO VERSION
Solomon is saying that his father David told him that it is not enough to do what is good, which may sometimes proceed from worldly or sinful motives of the heart, but that we must have a sincere and fervent love to God’s wisdom.
If you will lovingly keep God’s wisdom, wisdom will keep you.
4. David encouraged Solomon that the person who exalts wisdom will be promoted – v.8a
Proverbs 4:8a “Exalt her, and she shall promote thee”
Kawikaan 4:8a “Pahalagahan mo siya, at itataas ka niya” FILIPINO VERSION
Not only “get”, “keep,” and “love” God’s wisdom, but also “exalt” wisdom. We are apt to think less of those things which we have, however precious, after the novelty has worn off. Unless God’s wisdom is with a man, there shall be nothing to be regarded on the man. Solomon learned from the words of David that he must exalt wisdom, because the wisdom will promote him. Solomon shared to his children the importance of letting God’s wisdom have their highest esteem and affection. 5. David exhorted Solomon that the person who embraces wisdom will be honored – v.8b Proverbs 4:8b “she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.”
Kawikaan 4:8b “pararangalan ka niya kapag niyakap mo siya.” FILIPINO VERSION
There is nothing else, except a strict life of piety and benevolence, that has such a direct tendency to reflect honour upon a man, as the careful cultivation of his mind. There is a statement of phrase that says, “knowledge is power”, the true learning truly has astonishing influence. There is nothing is so universally respected, unless the learned man be a consistent with moral character, and be not proud and overbearing for it is a disgrace to the books and literature he studied.
David exhorts Solomon to embrace wisdom for he will be honored. Wisdom shall bring us honour both with God and men, which Solomon knew by experience. That is the same message of Solomon to his children, and that is the message to us that God’s wisdom will bring us honor with God and men if we hold fast to it.
We richly repays in all that we can do to embrace wisdom. Wisdom exalts them who exalt wisdom and wisdom gives them fresh reason for exalting wisdom “Them that honour me I will honour.” (I Samuel 2:30 “for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”).
6. David enlightened Solomon that the person who gains wisdom will beautifully demonstrate God’s grace – v.9a Proverbs 4:9a “She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace”
Kawikaan 4:9a “Isang kaaya-ayang putong sa ulo mo'y kanyang ilalagay” FILIPINO VERSION
The word “Grace” here refers to a beautiful ornament, such as they used to put upon their heads.
This is an acceptable or beautiful ornament of grace given by God’s wisdom in the Church on earth.
7. David ensured Solomon that the person who gains God’s wisdom will be eternally glorious – v.9b Proverbs 4:9b “a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.”
Kawikaan 4:9b “isang magandang korona sa iyo'y kanyang ibibigay.” FILIPINO VERSION
An interest in Christ's salvation is necessary. God’s wisdom is the one thing needful. A soul without true wisdom and grace is a dead soul. How poor, contemptible, and wretched are those, who, with all their wealth and power, die without getting understanding, without Christ, without hope, and without God!
Notice, the words “a crown of glory” that is a “tiara”, “diadem”, or “crown”, shall not be more honourable to the princely wearer, than the sound God’s wisdom, true religion coupled with deep learning, shall be to the Christian and the scholar.
This is an acceptable or beautiful ornament given by God’s wisdom, such as person used to put upon that person’s heads and therefore shall put upon their head a crown of glory that shall never wither. So far, Solomon seems to be repeating the words which David his father taught to him. Wisdom gives you “crown of glory” in the Church triumphant in heaven.
As Solomon realize all of these benefits including life, protection, preservation, promotion, honor, beauty, glory, it is no wonder that Solomon made God’s wisdom the main objective of his life. No wonder, that Solomon heeded his father David’s advice and Solomon wanted all his children also to heed his teaching.
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