Wisdom Lit: Godliness in Work Clothes
Jun. 25 2008
Wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job) doesn’t so much tell us what to do as it teaches us how to do it. It’s putting godliness into work clothes. Simply put: It makes us think--to think hard about our lives in light of the wisdom contained in this book. Three simple questions to help you dig into wisdom lit.
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“Putting godliness into work clothes” is an apt description of wisdom literature, as it doesn’t so much tell us what to do but rather teaches us how to do it.
Wisdom literature in the Bible (commonly accepted as Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and a handful of Psalms) is intended to teach us how to live in a manner that reflects our trust in & fear of God. It is immensely practical for the believer as it helps us think, believe, and behave in a way that helps us please God while navigating tough issues in our lives along the way. It gives us a roadmap to discern wisdom from folly and as a result helps us understand the will of God in the practicalities of life. As we think about and then apply the wisdom contained in these books we are learning to fear the Lord and to live righteously in this life.
Proverbs, in particular, is a book that puts us to work. It makes us think hard about our life and teaches us discernment, understanding, and gives insight into our natures and how God calls us to live. Proverbs cuts against the grain of our lazy, modern sensibilities where we resist the hard work of discerning the will of God in our lives.
Often we prefer the law, or more didactic portions of Scripture which gives us clear “dos or don’ts.” But those parts of Scripture don’t provide all the help we need with less clear-cut issues like:
_whether to take that job
_whether to pursue that relationship
_how we should think about correction from others
_what kind of friends we should have.
Proverbs doesn’t tell us what to do; it gives us insight about the nature of wisdom, the will of God, the nature of sin, and folly’s consequences. Simply put: Proverbs makes us think. To think hard about our lives in light of the wisdom contained in this book.
So, if you’re like me you’re probably wondering, “Where do I begin in studying and learning from this wisdom?” I’ve found considering three basic questions helps me to begin to plumb the depths of the wisdom of God in Proverbs.
1) What is wisdom?
Proverbs tells us that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10). The “fear of the Lord” is a multi-faceted idea that involves holding God in the deepest reverence, a sincere worship of God and love of God for who He is in, and a fear of the awesome and majestic holiness of God. Wisdom obtained and lived out then helps us “do” the fear of the Lord. True wisdom always has God in view and thus helps us to know the truth about God, us, sin, the world and then act on it in ways that accord with the will of God. At the risk of oversimplification, wisdom helps us know what is right and how do what is right.
2) Where does wisdom come from?
True wisdom comes from God. Proverbs 2:6 says: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” This is not the “wisdom” that we can fool ourselves into thinking is wise (Proverbs 3:7) but it is wisdom that comes to us as a revelation from God that teaches us to turn away from evil. The wisdom of God is eternal, unchanging, and brings great rewards to those who pursue it (Proverbs 3:1-18).
The wisdom of God as revelation finds its ultimate fulfillment in our Savior Jesus Christ. We are told that “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ” (Colossians 2:3) and that “God has made Christ Jesus our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1Corinthians 1:30). Jesus is the ultimate revelation of the wisdom of God whom God has sent into the world a revelation of His eternal will to redeem sinners and glorify His name. To seek the treasures of wisdom then is to seek the risen Christ who, in the wisdom of God, was crucified for our sins.
3) How do I get wisdom?
Proverbs gives us two simple directions to finding wisdom: turning away from evil and then be devoted to seeking wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 & 8:13 seen together tells us the fear of the Lord is wisdom and turning away from evil. This would include a clear, systematic rejection of all behaviors contrary to the clear will of God but also a rejection of the evil of “being wise in our own eyes” (Proverbs 3:7). If you want wisdom from God you must turn away from evil and false wisdom that keeps us from trusting in and living for God.
Secondly, wisdom is obtained by seeking it! I love the simplicity of Proverbs 4:7: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” Do you want wisdom? Then go seek it! Whatever you do go get wisdom by seeking earnestly with the kind of devotion we display when we are desparate for it. Wisdom isn’t for the fool or for those who are wise in their own eyes. Wisdom is for those who seek wisdom from God, ask for it (James 1:5), fear God and turn away from evil. Proverbs 7:4 encourages us to make wisdom our close friend. If we do this we will find the wisdom of God to help us navigate life and live for God.
We’ll look at how to read individual proverbs later this week.
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This is part one of a two part series on understanding wisdom literature. Read part two.
The Author
Isaac Hydoski is a pastor in the singles ministry at Covenant Life Church.
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