A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD. An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Proverbs 29:22-27
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
Proverbs 28:8-12
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
Proverbs 26:20-26
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
Proverbs 23:17-19
“The Way” is through Jesus Christ, because He died for our sins on the cross, He was buried, and He rose again.
The way that wisdom guides Us in fearing the LORD.
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
Proverbs 22:16-21
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever He will.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
Proverbs 21:1-10
Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Proverbs 20:24-30
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.
Proverbs 19:15-17
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:27-28
It is a wise individual who knows what to say, when to say it, and to whom it is said. The individual who is wise also knows how long to speak.
Even those who are foolish, ignorant willingly ignorant of God, when he remains silent is counted wise. Anyone who knows when to speak and when to be silent is a man of understanding.
As a Christian we ought always tell others of God’s gift to mankind; that is His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for out sins, was buried, and rose from the dead. To call on Him in the time He calls you is the wisest choice you will ever make.
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proveorbs 16:1-7
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 15:31-33
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.Proverbs 14:26-35
The life of any human being on earth will be a better life lived when they fear the LORD. The rest of these Proverbs will be heard, and heeded through our respect and awe toward the GOD who made the heavens and the earth.
Note the warning, “He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker…” How are we doing with the poor? How am I doing with the poor?
A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Proverbs 13:1-3
Jesus had a few words about the words we speak:
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” Matthew 15:18.
Before that He said,
” Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” Matthew 15:11
Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?” Matthew 15:17
So we must pay attention to the words we use when speaking, guard and keep out mouth from speaking ill of others, with other sinners,
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will He condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Proverbs 12:1-3
Sometimes we do not like people who are trying to give us good advice or instruction on how or why we should do, or even not do something.
The one who loves and approves of someone giving good instruction, also loves knowledge.
The “Good man” obtains “Favor of the LORD”, but who is a good man? Those who are perfect before God. Those to whom God calls “Just.” Those who have believed God concerning what He says about His only begotten Son, who is Jesus the Christ.
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.Proverbs 9:7-10
It takes godly wisdom to discern if we should reprove someone, or give them instruction. If we rebuke a scorner (Mocker) we may find ourselves in a jam.
If a wise man is rebuked he will love the one giving it. If we give instruction to a wise man, they increase in learning.
So if we possess godly wisdom we will love those who rightly rebuke us. If we are just and wise we will listen to instruction and learn.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus. He died for our sins, was buried and He rose again.
I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
Proverbs 8:12-21
In chapters 8 and 9 wisdom is presented as a person speaking; using the words I and mine.
Notice that wisdom “Dwells with prudence” which means, “with discretion.” Working behind the scenes working for good in those who have it.
There is one thing for sure the world needs more godly wisdom, because worldly wisdom has caused certain hatred, and a willingness to take lives. That includes all of those who murder people with whom they disagree, with their mouth.
How to have the wisdom of God! First of all one needs to know God, and that is by trusting in the finished work of God’s Son since He died on the cross for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again. Next, you need to realize that is the wisest thing you ever did – calling on His name. Then you need to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5-8).
Your life will change, because your heart changes, and what you love and desire will be replaced by what God loves and desires. Be wise, open your eyes to the truth of Jesus Christ.
My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
Proverbs 6:20-25
The commandment of the father, and the law of the mother are compatible because they are equal in discipline, correction, and instruction.
The words are from a father to his son, and as the word of God is directed from God our heavenly Father to His sons (children) of the new birth. Note what the commandment, and the law do for those who will listen, hear and do it.
First it will give you peace when you sleep through the night. It will talk to you when you are awake.
It does this for us; GOD does this for us to keep us from evil. God is full of love, mercy, and grace. He will deliver you when you turn from your sins to Him through Jesus Christ who bled and died on the cross, He was buried and He rose again.
Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He pondereth all his goings.
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
Proverbs 5:15-23
I am a man who has been blessed with a good wife. I know no other woman so loving and kind and has such a heart for serving others. We have been married for 52 years, and everyone of those years blessed me with love.
I know that is not so in many a man’s life, and I hurt with you, because I know some men do not know how to treat a woman. She should be; your wife that is; treated with awe and respect. It is amazing what a good wife can do.
I am not saying that everything will always be bliss, and heavenly, because it will not. There will be hard times. Work through them together. If you have the Lord Jesus Christ in your marriage and home, you can overcome any attack against you.
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 2:10-22
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Proverbs 9:10-12
The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Proverbs 10:27
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.Provoerbs 14:26-27
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 15:33
Our loving the LORD means that we fear Him, and we trust Him, because He will always do what He says He will do. His positive as well as His negative promises will come to pass, just as He has said.
Someone has said, “If we fear GOD we need to fear nothing else.”
Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?Proverbs 22:17-21
This book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. We also hear of the truth, and it is the truth. Pilate asked Jesus the question, “What is the truth?” (John 18:38). Jesus Christ told His disciples, “I am the…truth…and no one can come to the Father except by Me” (John 14:6).
Jesus also said in His prayer on the night of Passover, and the day He was to be crucified, “Sanctify them through Your truth: Your word is the truth” (John 17:17). Jesus is the living Word of God.
When it comes to speaking the truth that is something all God’s people, all who love the Lord Jesus Christ, ought to love doing. When we speak of Jesus according to the Scripture, we are speaking the truth.
When it comes to telling the truth in a conversation with others, we need to be wise to being truthful. It is wise to tell the truth to those who deserve the truth. For instance, if you tell the truth you never have to remember what you said. If you tell a lie, then you always need to keep track of what you said before, if you do not want to be found to be a liar.
The greatest wisdom, knowledge, and understanding comes from the LORD who is the Truth, and there is no lie in Him. The LORD never lies, neither does He deceive anyone. It is not in His character to do so.
Through Jesus Christ we have the means to answer others who ask us about our faith; the Bible says, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). The wisest words ever spoken by any man were these, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Be wise, and hear the truth, Jesus died on a cross for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again.
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Proverbs 14:26-27
To fear the LORD is the act of great reverence, respect, and love for our God and Savior. In the fear of the LORD there is great confidence in Him. The Apostle John in his first epistle mentions confidence three times.
And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at his coming. 1 John 2:28
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 1 John 3:21And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us 1 John 5:14
It is a marvelous thing to have confidence in the word, work, and Person of God through His Son, who is the only begotten Son of God. In the LORD is our place of refuge – our place of safety.
The fear of the LORD is also a fountain of life. Jesus Himself told the Samaritan woman at the well, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, ‘Give me to drink;’ thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water.” John 4:10. The conversation goes on and Jesus said, “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. “ John 4:13-14.
It is a wonderful thing to have confidence in God, and to know that He is the fountain of Life. God says through the Apostle John that we have confidence that he will answer our prayers when we pray according to His will. We will have confidence in God when we might condemn ourselves. We will also have confidence that He is coming again, and we will not be ashamed when we abide in Him.
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of His saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
Proverbs 2:1-9
But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.
The depth saith, “It is not in me:” and the sea saith, “It is not with me.” It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
vv. 12-15
Whence then cometh wisdom? And where is the place of understanding?
v. 20
And unto man He said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.Job 28:12-15, 20, 28
Wisdom is a forgotten Item in the world, and world’s cultures; but is very much needed from the individual, tp the family, to the Church, to the state, to the nation, and to the world. Leaders need wisdom.
What is wisdom? Where does wisdom come from? How does one get wisdom?
Wisdom cannot be bought or sold. There is not enough gold, silver, or money in the world to buy it. It is a gift from God who is All Wise.
The words of the Proverbs, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9:10, and Psalm 111:10 also. So it begins with a heart for knowing God, having great reverence for Him, His word, and knowledge of Him. It is the ability to make good decisions with what knowledge you have.
The is a wisdom that comes from God; and there is wisdom that comes from the world (James 3:13-18). We are also told by the word of God, “that if any lack wisdom, let him ask of God… and it shall be given him ” (James 1:5). That answers the question of “Where does wisdom [godly wisdom] come from?” God gives wisdom (Proverbs 2:6).
The wisdom God gives also gives understanding, and leads us to hating what is evil. Evil is anything that is against the will, the way, and the word of God.
Every child of God needs wisdom to follow through with what knowledge they have of God, His word, and His Son Jesus Christ. Wisdom will be in the one who decides to hear the word of God and do it.
So, what is wisdom? It is a gift from God for those who ask Him, for the purpose of living for God, and living a godly life, making right and good decisions.
Where does wisdom come from? Godly wisdom; which is what we are looking at: comes from the LORD, and is much needed in the world and leadership in the world.
How does one get wisdom? It begins by trusting in the LORD for your salvation, your deliverance from sin and death through the cross of Jesus Christ and that will be the beginning of wisdom in you. Will you come to Him today. You may not have another day to live. Just ask God to give you a new heart for Him.
In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him,
“Ask what I shall give thee.”
And Solomon said unto God, “Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let Thy promise unto David my father be established: for Thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this Thy people, that is so great?” And God said to Solomon,
“Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge My people, over whom I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.”
2 Chronicles 1:7-12
Solomon is now the king of all Israel. God came to Solomon, and said, basically, “Ask Me for anything,” I believe it was a test of his character, his heart.
What would I have asked for? Solomon was probably a very young man. We are not told anywhere I can find where we are told his age, at the time he became the king. As a young man of 18 through 30 or so, I am not so sure that I would not have asked for God to make me wealthy. I know in my heart, and I knew then, that wisdom and knowledge were two of the greatest things you could ask God for. Now, I no longer want to be wealthy. That would be a trap for the ruin of my family, and my life.
Solomon was wise before God even gave him this offer. He had a large task ahead of him as the king of Israel, judging the people, and leading them in the way of the LORD God, and building the temple, which his father David had planned and designed.
Over the years, I am now 70 years of age, I have asked God many times for wisdom and knowledge, and God has met our needs, and I look back at my twenty or so years, and I can see I am much wiser than I was back then, and I pray more knowledgeable at least in the ways of the Lord, and His word.
God answered Solomon’s request, and gave him more than what he asked for. God gave Solomon wisdom and knowledge. He also gave him great wealth, and honor before kings. Solomon, even as wise as he was, was not a perfect, nor a sinless man. He is believed to have been the human author of Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and many of the Proverbs in that book of wisdom.
There is a great need in today’s world for godly wisdom. There is much earthly wisdom that is foolish in God’s eyes. Earthly wisdom is like, “Grab all you can, while you can,” “Do unto others before they do unto you,” “My golden rule is that he who has the gold makes the rules, and such frivolity as that. While the wisdom of the God who has made all things, says, “Love God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” He also says, “Love your neighbor as you do yourself,” and to “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all His righteousness.”
The wisdom of the world says, “I have no sin that needs forgiveness.” The word of God and wisdom says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
I have chosen to believe and live for God and His word and wisdom, and shun the world and its so called wisdom. I have done that by turning from my sin to Christ Jesus; who died on the cross for our sins, was buried and He rose again; and have confessed that He is Lord and thoroughly believe that He rose from the dead. Now I have assurance that I will be with Him forever.
Will you join me? Call on His name and be saved from sin, death, and hell.
The Fire and Hammer 