“ The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; “ - Proverbs 1:1
—————————————————
In any study, it is good to begin with a clear definition of terms. The reason the Spirit has caused the proverbs of Solomon ( and those of others as well ) to be collected and compiled in this book is given to us in the opening verse itself.
To know wisdom, and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding - that seems pretty straightforward... but lets make sure we are very clear as to what these words mean, and imply as we set out.
Strongs dictionary gives us the Hebrew...
Wisdom - ( Noun ) Chokmah , ( Adjective ) Chakam, ( Verb ) Chakam. The wise (chakam) seek after wisdom ( chokmah ) and act wisely / skillfully ( chakam ).
Instruction - Musar - properly chastisement; figuratively reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint: - bond, chastening ([-eth]), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke.
Understanding - knowledge, meaning, X perfectly, understanding, wisdom.
Isn’t it interesting? Wisdom going hand in hand with warning/correction/chastisement(!), and knowledge!!!
The first occurrence of “chokmah” is in Exod. 28:3: “And thou shalt speak unto all that are wisehearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, —-that they may make Aaron’s garments—— to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.” The artisan was considered to be endowed with special abilities given to him by God: “And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship” (Exod. 35:31).
A craftsman has knowledge of his/her trade. They know the terms, tools, techniques. More than that, they have experience (gained over time) in applying that knowledge... which leads them to avoid making errors ( correction! ), and more than that —to skillfully— apply that knowledge and wisdom to make good decisions and create good works!
A good car mechanic for example... respects his tools, knows about auto repair, and has specific experiences with various makes and models over time to know... what usually is the issue with a ‘57 chevy or 2020 Lexus, when they show up at the shop with a particular set of symptoms. They know the right and the wrong way to go about confirming and addressing the issue, and do so, quickly and efficiently, with a minimum of wasted effort and cost! A good mechanic is worth their weight in gold to any auto repair facility!!!
It is worth noting that mere “head knowledge” and “experience” do not make a skilled craftsmen. Exodus 28:3 quoted above makes it VERY CLEAR that it is God that fills them with the Spirit of wisdom. This is a spiritual GIFT! It is this gift thst enables the skillful APPLICATION to create... Aarons garnents, the elements of the Tabernacle, etc. etc.
Ladies Please note... the application of wisdom is -first illustrated- in the art of making/embroidering clothes ! .... one of the first acts of God Himself, when He clothed Adam and Eve with animal skins to hide their nakedness. Guys, there is nothing “girly” about being a tailor or dressmaker... its something that God Himself did and gifted people (men and women) with the ability to do!
So..... thats what wisdom is, and where it comes from, but what is the reason we need wisdom ?
———————-
The Answer: To skillfully apply the knowledge of Gods Word ( “religion” ) to make wise and skillful choices in our daily life for our benefit! Wisdom is applied Word!
———————-
“Chokmah is the knowledge and the ability to make the right choices at the opportune time. The consistency of making the right choice is an indication of maturity and development.
The prerequisite for “wisdom” is the fear of the Lord: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7).
“Wisdom” is viewed as crying out for disciples who will do everything to pursue her (Prov. 1:20). The person who seeks chokmah diligently will receive understanding: “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:6); he will benefit in his life by walking with God: “That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous” (Prov. 2:20).
The advantages of “wisdom” are many: “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man” (Prov. 3:2–4).
The prerequisite is a desire to follow and imitate God as He has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, without self-reliance and especially not in a spirit of pride: “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: to understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:5–7).
The fruits of chokmah are many, and the Book of Proverbs describes the characters of the chakam and chokmah.
In New Testament terms the fruits of “wisdom” are the same as the fruits of the Holy Spirit; cf. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22–23); “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:17–18).
Wisdom is a gift of the Spirit : Isaiah 11:1–2 (AV): And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the —spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of -wisdom and -understanding, the spirit of -counsel and -might, the spirit of -knowledge and of the -fear of the LORD;
Do you see how it all fits together ? ? So beautiful.... let us pray the Lord would fill us with His Spirit that we may perceive His words and help us to wisely fear Him, so that our lives will be blessed! We Praise Him for His Word!!!
Hallelujah!