“My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5
In chapter 1 of Proverbs, we are told the declarative truth that, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:7) But how are we to gain an understanding of that truth? Immediately after in chapter two we are taught exactly how to access that understanding and how to gain wisdom. There are a lot of action verbs in these verses. Gaining understanding of God’s word involves effort.
We are to receive the words of Scripture as truth, as the very words of God. Receive, accept, embrace, and treasure them as a bridegroom receives and treasures his bride on their wedding day. We are to incline our ear, pay attention, listen attentively to the word, and in humility be willing to be taught. We are to apply our heart which means making understanding God’s word a priority. We are to make the effort to understand His word and not be satisfied with ignorance or shallow platitudes. We are also told to literally cry out, to use our voices, ask questions, to pray and beseech God that He would grant us understanding of His truth. Finally, we are to seek understanding of the word of God like man seeks after treasure.
This last one encompasses the overall attitude God wants us to have concerning His word. It is interesting because it is a negative example. Throughout history and certainly in American history there are ample examples of people in a frenzy searching for gold, silver, diamonds, etc. Montana’s history is full of gold and silver “fever.” After all we are called the treasure state. Gold fever resulted in so much sin, pain, suffering, and wickedness because people devoted their lives to the wrong thing: getting rich and earthly treasure.
But this is the analogy God uses to describe how He would have us treat His Scripture. We are to be devoted to it, to treasure it, seek it, alter our life and priorities to understand and obey it, and conform our lives to it. We are to have “Scripture fever.” There are so many things in our lives we highly value that we shouldn’t. The Holy Scripture is a miracle, it is a mighty gift, the very words of God, that we should absolutely treasure. If we do, we are promised that we will find the knowledge of God and understand the fear of the LORD.”
His mercy endures forever!
Pastor Flynn
Photo by William Warby