The Beginning of Wisdom

While the Bible is pretty clear that the beginning of wisdom is with God and from the fear of God (Proverbs 1), the 1st few verses of Proverbs have caused me to think about the subject of wisdom.  Proverbs is part of 5 Biblical books known as "Wisdom Literature."  Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and Job comprise these 5 books.  Job is the oldest book in Scripture (the date of writing), and Psalms is probably the most quoted.  But hear these words from Proverbs 1 and ask yourself, "What does this say about the END of wisdom?"  "These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge, and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:1-7)."

Here is what I find remarkable about these words.

1. They are universal - Young, Old, Simple, Wise, and those who desire to do what is right.  The only group seemingly exempted are the fools!

2. They exist to bring good, success, and structure to life - God's Word is like that, isn't it?  The paradox is that the stable walls of structure are the strong fortress of freedom and goodness.

3. Wisdom seems to have no end - For those who have wisdom (those with understanding), seeking wisdom is a continual, lifelong pursuit.

Here is what I have observed.  In 1994 I went off to Asbury Theological Seminary to seek knowledge, and hopefully wisdom, about God, God's Word, and theology.  What I found was remarkable.  The men and women who taught there were consummate experts in their fields.  One knew the Book of Matthew by heart in numerous languages.  Another understood the mysteries of John's Revelation.  Yet, in the midst of this great knowledge, they pursued knowledge and wisdom daily.  They had understanding, but still pursued "the meaning in proverbs and parables, the words of the wise, and riddles."

I am reminded that Jesus spoke in parables, not to provide explicit moral teaching (though this teaching did/does exist).  Parables were intended to cause those seeking understanding to seek, dig, ponder, consider, and struggle with truths that aren't too far from the mystery of God.  They are not easy!  Just try to "go thou and do likewise" as you read the Parable of the Good Samaritan.  Attempt to understand why some are sheep and others are goats in Matthew 25.

Here's my point.  Those who choose wisdom eternally pursue knowledge and wisdom.  I believe this continues even after we are with God in heaven.  And why not?  Jesus comes so we will know what God is like.  Scripture is revealed so we will come to understand God, ourselves, and others.  "Seek, and you shall find.  Knock and the door will be opened to you!"  Be wise, my friends!