Proverb 1.1-3
“The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity.”
True wisdom has several characteristics, and this passage describes essential elements of true wisdom:
1) Understand words of insight.
This means the ability to see into a situation. It means looking beyond the surface level to discover key factors that are affecting and shaping the event, situation, or person. It is the disciplined process of looking deeply into a situation. We could call it “careful observation.”
2) Receive instruction in wise dealing.
The word which is rendered “wise dealing” is the Hebrew haskel, which means “thoughtfulness.” It is the process of thinking through a situation or an issue. It is understanding the true nature of a situation or circumstance. The previous verse tells us to see with discipline, this verse tells us to think with discipline.
Do you recognize the powerful combination of seeing with discernment and thinking with discipline? These are essential elements of living wisely. It is foolish to react on the basis of old habits or jump to a conclusion on the basis of emotion. Our choices must be guided by careful observation and clear thinking.
3) Receive instruction in righteousness.
This the Hebrew tzedek, and it means “rightness” according to God’s standards. As I have written in previous posts, there are three categories of rightness that we must learn to master: moral, functional, and relational. Moral rightness is character. It is doing the right thing ethically. Functional rightness is competence. It is about being highly skilled at our job. Relational rightness is connection. It is being effective in the way we interact with people.
4) Receive instruction in justice.
This is the Hebrew mishpat, and it means the wise application of rightness. It is correct judgment of human actions and life situations. It is knowing how God’s standards apply to the many different situations of life and work. Sometimes the application is clear, many times it is not clear. Therefore, insight is needed.
5) Receive instruction in equity.
This is the Hebrew meshar, and it means uprightness and fairness. It derives from a word that means straight and smooth. It is making judgments that are fair to all parties concerned.
If you want true wisdom, these are the attributes you must build into your life. You must trust God and do the work.
Go back and re-read the five attributes. Ask yourself: Where in my life am I practicing these attributes? Where in my life am I not practicing them? What do I need to do to get better?
Pray and ask the Lord for wisdom in answering those questions.
Coram Deo
