Proverbs 4:5-9, The Wisdom that Wins
February 12, Proverbs 4:5-9
1 Cor. 1:17-31 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (Jas. 1:17)
The Wisdom that Wins
The rewards and benefits of Wisdom are not a matter of vain speculation as demonstrated in these verses. Those who possess this Wisdom will be forever enriched through its special benefits. Matthew Henry comments here, “A soul without true wisdom and grace is a dead soul. How poor, how contemptible and wretched are those, who, with all their wealth and power, die without getting understanding, without Christ, without hope, and without God.”
- She Covers: She shall preserve thee (v.6). This familiar verb means to guard, aid, support. In response to obeying her, she will protect you, aid you and watch over you. God’s Wisdom will keep His own in His sight as He watches over them. The second verb is keep thee. Wisdom’s promise is to give faithful protection from all dangers. There is a third verb in v.9, deliver thee. It is from a root meaning to shield thus conveying the picture of Wisdom as a covering, a shield of defense, like Paul’s shield of faith (Eph. 6:16). This threefold emphasis presents Wisdom as the Covering Shelter from the carnal, the selfish, and the depraved within us and about us.
- She Commends: She shall promote thee… bring thee to honour (v.8). To promote means to raise up, to make one stand tall, to commend before God and men. This is further supported by the promise that she shall bring thee to honour. The world, the flesh and the Devil endeavour to put you down, destroy your testimony, and bring dishonour to the Lord. Wisdom, however, commends and gives moral and spiritual victory in your daily life. Exalt her is from a verb that means to esteem her highly, to prize her. If you are indifferent to her, it can only be because you do not know her! All who know her exalt her, doing all they can to win more and more of her treasures. None who do so ever regret it. Wisdom is no man’s debtor. Exalt her and she will commend you in your own conscience, in the judgment of the world, and, most importantly, in the eyes of God.
- She Crowns: Shell shall give to thine head… a crown of glory (v.9). She gives a crown, not of fading laurels but of glory that endures forever. It is worth more than all the world’s wealth. There may be a play on the word head (v.9) and principal thing (v.7). In Hebrew, ro’sh can mean head or principle or first thing (Gen. 1:1), both being from the same root. Thus, if Wisdom is first, the principle thing in your life (v.7), then Wisdom in turn will crown your head (v.9). When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away (1 Pet. 5:4). What a privilege it will be on that day to cast our crowns before Him, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power (Rev. 4:11). It is no wonder that this wisdom from above is called the pearl of great price, worth selling all to buy it (Matt. 13:44, 46).
Thought: Keep Wisdom and Wisdom will keep thee.
Prayer: Lord, that I might love wisdom because it is Christ’s.