Wisdom: The Principal Thing (Proverbs 4:7)

Sep - 12 by:zgbcradio | Weekly Devotionals 0 comment(s)

There is a wonderful bit of advice given in Proverbs Chapter 4, which, if we are to summarize the first fifteen (15) chapters of Proverbs we would conclude that this particular advice or saying is of paramount importance and is most necessary for our day and age.  This advice is found in Proverbs 4:7-8:

“Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore, get wisdom, and with all thy getting, get understanding.  Exhalt her, and she shall promote thee, she shall bring thee to honour when thou does embrace her.”

Wisdom is defined as experience and knowledge together with the power of applying them critically or practically.  We should note that there are basically two types of wisdom, namely, the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24) and the wisdom of the world (1 cor 1;20). 

It must be understood that Solomon made it clear, as we saw in our introductory chapter that the basis of the Israelite wisdom was the fear of God, and as such the wisdom taught in the biblical book of Proverbs is not worldly wisdom, but Godly wisdom; for Godly wisdon encourages a life of practical rigtheousness based on the law of God.

Therefore, we can state with all assurance that the wisdom of God surpasses the wisdom of the world (i.e., academic education, science, etc) for the wisdom of God is the principal thing.

Because wisdom is an extremely important part of one’s life it must be sought after at an early age.  Proverbs 9:10 says:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the (Holy One) is understanding.”

It must be noted that wisdom has caused so many children of God in the bible to escape the attacks of the evil one, Satan himself.  Bible characters like Joseph in Potiphar’s house, Daniel in Babylon, Esther in Persia, David in King Saul’s home, the three Hebrew boys, Timothy, etc.