Proverbs 2
- Annette Watson
- Nov 16
- 3 min read
In the Old Testament, Proverbs 2 contains the wise words of Israel’s King Solomon. Particularly, this book opens with Solomon’s instruction to his son, the next king in line to the throne. Solomon gives fatherly, political advice, saying, “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 sleekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then though shalt understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:1-5). Solomon wants his son, the ruler of the next generation, to engage in a life-long quest of God’s wisdom. Solomon instructs his son to search for God’s knowledge with the passion of a silver-miner…or in today’s terms searching Scripture for God’s wisdom as zealously as an avid bitcoin miner looking for each nugget of truth that one can apply to his life. Solomon wants his progeny to walk with God and to succeed in life. God’s wisdom is that shield for a life well lived.
In like manner to Solomon, Charlie Kirk proposed a Bible-centered understanding of manhood and evaluating successful manhood. Charlie Kirk wanted the next generation of men and women to be successful by walking in accordance to God and His Word.
Dr. Jordan Peterson’s now 42 Rules for Life propose the same type of end goal. For Dr. Peterson, an ordered life brings peace and purpose. For example, Dr. Peterson encourages, “Make at least one thing better every single place you go.” In relation to politics, Rule 45 states, “Write a letter to the government if you see something that needs fixing, and propose a solution.”
Solomon knew he had the answer to righteous living in this world: go to the source of wisdom and depend on that kind source of wisdom. First, Solomon sends his son to the Omniscient Source of all wisdom. As Proverbs 2:6 testifies, “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” The Apostle Paul stops near the end of his homily in the book of Romans to exclaim with love and reverence, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:32-33). Even so, Paul tells his fellow believes of the wisdom he has found in God, “For of him, and through him, and to him are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Romans 11:36). All things…and all wisdom…connect back to Creator God.
Second, Solomon sends his son to the Ever-Kind Source of all wisdom. God plays no tricks in granting his wisdom. God knows the end from the beginning. Therefore, Solomon talks of God’s sound wisdom as a protective shield. Proverbs 2:7 records Solomon’s words, “[God] layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.” That old English word “buckler” is a shield. As a part of the battle armor, the shield protected the wearer. The possessor of the shield could deflect arrows and sword blows. Solomon wants God’s wisdom to enter into the heart of his son in order to protect his son from the ways of evil and to propel his son into the way of good (Proverbs 2:10-12, 20). All things connect back to obedience to Creator God.
Finally, today, if you want to know how to walk in wisdom, listen to the words of Jesus Christ. He said, “If any man serve me, let him follow me” (John 12:26). Go to the Scriptures to find God’s wisdom. “Search the Scriptures,” preached Jesus, “for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Wisdom, therefore, is a quest not of blind obedience but of reasoned faith after searching the facts. Therefore, true obedience comes as a grateful thanks toward a kind Savior. Paul calls living a life of obedience to God a “reasonable service” in response to God’s mercy (Romans 12:1-2).
For those who view participation in politics as an expression of stewardship in accordance to God’s wisdom, do not become weary in your efforts to do good (Galatians 6:9). Evaluate man’s laws and moral standards against the Scriptures. Follow the path of righteousness even in dark valleys (Psalm 23). In the same manner that believers place their trust in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ to save their eternal souls, men can also trust God to guide the political path of their temporal lives. God promised that if you trust him, he will guide your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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