Psalm 111, Proverbs 1: Chasing Wisdom

Wisdom is something that they say is often earned through failure, heartache and tears. I think that in many ways that is true but there is often wisdom that can be gained by wholly giving yourself onto the Lord and letting his work take effect.

One of the things I love about these to passages are their stark contrast and also the strong cord that ties them. Psalm 111 like many of chapters in the book, begins with infinite praise of God in all his greatness. Then at the very end Wisdom peaks its head in through the door:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

The interesting thing in both of these passages is the fact that they mention fear of the Lord is what will help you find wisdom. Proverbs goes into greater detail of the wisdom, Solomon is very clear that wisdom is something to be sought after but it is something that must be practiced in the humility and shadow of Christ. Then Solomon really starts to warn against what the enemy will try to do to remove us from the path to wisdom. My favorite part of this is when it says "these men lie in wait in their own blood, they set an ambush for their own lives". I really love the wording there as to follow their path is to end your own life before you can even taste what is offered. 

The last bit of the Proverb focuses on the call of wisdom. We cannot ignore its call in our lives even though I think we all tend to ignore its call till we need wisdom. In many ways we must always be striving after God's wisdom in our lives to maintain our community with Him. To not strive after wisdom is to open ourselves up to the enemies charms and deception. We must steadfastly chase the Wisdom that has been offered to us through God's word and through His redemption.