Wisdom is like a snowball
Mar 11
Proverbs 1:2 for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;4 for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-
I have decided to spend the next month or so looking at the book of proverbs. Here Solomon is laying the foundation as to what the purpose of the book of Proverbs is for. It is really about teaching people how to acquire and use wisdom. In the preface in my Bible, the write up makes a distinction between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is having the facts and wisdom is how you apply the facts to life. I think that is quite good distinction.
The first 8 chapters of the book of Proverbs are written with young people in mind, but the wisdom goes beyond just what applies to young people, so at 50 I feel I am young enough. I love the way Solomon pairs things together here, for example in vs 2, wisdom and knowledge, vs 3 disciplined and prudent, vs 4 kn0wledge and discretion etc. Words like prudent are powerful words. Prudent means wise or judicious in practical affairs. It is such a good word. It means being careful to do things wisely and methodically, with a mind on the outcome.
Verse 5 says “let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance”. Wisdom is not a destination, it is not an arrival point, it is an ongoing journey. Wisdom always recognises there is more to be attained, more knowledge to be gotten and with experience, even more wisdom. It is adding to itself all the time. It is like a snowball that rolls. The bigger it gets, the more it builds.