Lessons from Proverbs: Step Two
Last week we learned that living a life of victory is the purpose of the Book of Proverbs; the Hebrew word for proverb is the same as ruling and reigning: mashal. Jesus responded to His disciples’ questions regarding the parables (proverbs) by explaining that there are secrets to living in the Kingdom of God and they won’t work for unbelievers (Mark 4:11). Why? Unquestionably because there is no fear of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7 ESV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10 ESV
Logically, if you want knowledge and wisdom you must first have a healthy view of God. This fear is not being afraid of God but being in awe of Him. It’s respecting His greatness, astonished by His acts, and honoring His Name. As Pv. 1:1 gives us the lower story of Solomon’s identity we understand the upper story of Jesus being the Son of David and King of Israel. That directs our attention to the New Testament when the people cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Or the religious leaders declared in mockery yet in truth, “He is the King of Israel; let Him come down now from the cross and we will believe in Him.” No fear of the Lord.
Proverbs teach us knowing God is the first step, the beginning, of ruling and reigning in life and being on the right side of the contrasts they give. Fools despise the submission we give God, hate the trust we have in Him, and His Spirit’s guidance every day. It’s weakness to them but to us it’s power: that’s one of Jesus’ secrets. Our principals of right and wrong, morality, and ethics all stem from knowing God and desiring to re-present Him to the world. Paul said,
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead.” Philippians 3:8a, 10a NLT
Experience the voice of God this week as the Spirit calls out, even shouts to you (1:20) while reading chapters 1-5.
“If you turn at My reproof, behold, I will pour out My Spirit to you; I will make My words known to you.” Proverbs 1:23 ESV
Watch for these contrasts especially the conditional ones, ‘if … then’ in Chapter Two.
Remember the lower story of wisdom points us to the upper story of Christ:
… you who are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us wisdom from God … 1 Cor. 1:29b
Also, the lower story ‘forbidden woman’ points us to the upper story of Satan and his ways, therefore, we are to GET WISDOM, GET INSIGHT (4:5, 7) and walk in the fear of the Lord experiencing mashal: ruling and reigning.
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