The Way of Wisdom

When Solomon begins writing Proverbs, he narrates the wisdom of God as a father talking to his son. You can see this especially in chapter 4:

Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
    and be attentive, that you may gain insight…

Throughout the chapter, the father provides wise instructions to his sons but for readers today this is not just about Solomon teaching his sons wisdom, it is the teachings of God to all of His children. While God is only called “father” a few times in the Old Testament, His role of father is one Jesus clearly came to emphasize. It appears on his lips some sixty-five times in the Synoptic Gospels and over one hundred times in John. It is the most frequent moniker Jesus uses for God is father. This relationship is one Jesus really wanted His followers to understand. God is our father. So, with that in mind let’s revisit Proverbs 4: 10 -11

Hear, my son, and accept my words,
    that the years of your life may be many.
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
    I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

God’s words are the way of wisdom. His words are meant to teach us the way of His wisdom. If we follow and accept His words He promises that His ways will lead us to the paths of uprightness and righteousness. He tells us that our lives will be blessed if we walk in His words. Listening to our Father’s advice is the theme throughout Proverbs 4.

Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
    and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
for I give you good precepts;
    do not forsake my teaching. (vs. 1& 2)

Get wisdom; get insight;
    do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. (vs. 5)

When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
    and if you run, you will not stumble.
Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
    guard her, for she is your life. (vs 12 & 13).

My son, be attentive to my words;
    incline your ear to my sayings.
Let them not escape from your sight;
    keep them within your heart (vs. 20 &21)

God is the father of all humanity. And, since He is the perfect almighty God – He is a perfect father. He has given His children the best teachings and words of wisdom. As it is with real children, it is up to us if we listen and reap the rewards of those words. If we listen, we will be blessed. If we do not and walk in the way of wickedness, then we will fall and stumble into deep darkness (Prov. 4:18 – 19). The choice is yours. What type of pupil will be you be? #GodsPupils #TheMasterTeacher