Adam and Eve woefully trusted themselves and not God for wisdom (Genesis 3:6), and that choice initiated all our troubles. Ever since, God has graciously intervened, directing his people back to Himself.

If we passively receive and actively seek wisdom, then two things will happen: We’ll start being wise, and we’ll keep becoming wiser. Solomon explains these two results and gives the rationale for each. This week, we’ll cover just the first one.

Then you will understand the fear of the LORD
And find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
Guarding the paths of justice
And watching over the way of his saints.
(Prov 2:5-8)

You’ll start being wise. Verse 5 states that “you will understand the fear of the Lord.” This concept ought to be familiar from Prov 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Remember that the fear of the Lord is the very first step on the path of wisdom. Solomon now promises that listening to wisdom will result in the fear of the Lord. Therefore, if we listen to wisdom, we will begin the journey of wisdom.

Though this point may seem obvious, it nevertheless is crucial. Wisdom is not something that just happens as we live life. It doesn’t come automatically with status, education, experience, age, or leadership position. We must receive it and seek it in order to gain it. We must admit we don’t have it before we can possess it. We confess we can’t see it so we might somehow perceive it. When it is weak, it is strongest. It rises from lowliness.

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