Proverbs 4.
THIS deeply interesting and profitable chapter does not include any name of God, but it is speaking for Him in whom is all wisdom and all intelligence, instructing all who own the authority of His Word regarding the safe ways of life in a scene where evil abounds. The first half of the chapter, to verse 13, presses the importance of wisdom and intelligence; the second half shows the application of this wisdom to the dangers that are present in the world. This is admirable; he who is taught of God is prepared for the snares of the devil.
No one ever has found God's Word to fail him; its teachings are infallible, suitable and always good. Of it alone can it he said, "Keep Thy commandments and live."
To have wisdom—a rare thing now-a-days, it seems,—is to have the ability to discern what is true and right; this is to be gained by diligent, humble study of God's Word though it is also a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:88For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (1 Corinthians 12:8)).
Intelligence is the capacity to understand. The believer needs both wisdom and intelligence, and how shall he get them? From God, and through His Word, we answer without hesitation.
The learning is worth far more than "all the -wisdom of the Egyptians" (Acts 7:2222And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. (Acts 7:22)), valuable though that may be in its proper place, and God here presses the importance of it upon His children.
"Forsake her (wisdom) not, and she shall keep thee; love her, and she shall preserve thee."
"Exalt her, and she shall promote thee; she shall bring thee to honor when thou Bost embrace her. She shall give to thy head a garland of grace; a crown of glory will she bestow upon thee." Of what other reading than the Word of God could this be said? What share of our reading has the newspaper, or other worldly literature, and what the Bible?
The way of wisdom and the paths of righteousness (verse 11, N.T.), are very far from the path of the wicked, and the way of evil men (verse 14). Sometimes we are tempted to think that we can allow a little measure of company with what is wrong; verse 15 meets this with no uncertainty.
The path of the righteous is as the shining light, going on and brightening until the day be fully come (verse 18 N. T.). How wonderful, that this is God's provision for them that love Him! The way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble, because they know not God, and desire not His knowledge.
The chapter concludes with weighty words, the ear (verse 20), the eyes, the heart (verse 21), the mouth and lips (verse 24) and the feet (verse 26) being mentioned in turn with God's directions for the use of each member (see Romans 12).
Messages of God’s Love 4/24/1932