by Dr. Al Hearne II

 

This fifteenth-shore excursion explores how actively seeking God's truth brings about a deeper understanding of His wisdom, reverence, and knowledge.

 

Shore Excursion 16 - What Does It Take to Find the Knowledge of God?

Proverbs 2:1-5, "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God."

Proverbs 2:1-5 paints a picture of the diligent pursuit required to know God and gain His wisdom. These verses do not promise instant results or passive growth; instead, they outline a series of intentional actions we must take to experience spiritual transformation. Finding the knowledge of God is like embarking on a year-long cruise with 52 ports of call, requiring effort, discipline, and a passionate desire to seek what is most valuable in each port.

This passage describes eight specific actions we must take:

1. Receive God's Words: Accept God's Word as truth, without resistance or argument. To "receive" means to take it in with a humble heart, recognizing its authority.
2. Treasure God's Commandments: Treat God's instructions as precious, guarding them as a treasure of eternal worth. This implies valuing Scripture above worldly possessions or desires.
3. Make Your Ear Attentive to Wisdom: Pay close attention to God's Word, actively listen for His voice, and seek insight.
4. Incline Your Heart to Understanding: Approach God's Word with humility and willingness, acknowledging our need to learn and grow in understanding.
5. Call Out for Insight: Pray for God to reveal His wisdom, acknowledging that He is the source of all understanding.
6. Raise Your Voice for Understanding: Earnestly ask God to help you grasp His truth, demonstrating a desire to know and follow Him fully.
7. Seek It Like Silver: Pursue God's Word and understanding with the same intensity that people chase wealth or success.
8. Search for It as for Hidden Treasures: Let your pursuit of God's truth be marked by passion and perseverance, as though uncovering the most valuable treasure imaginable.

When we commit ourselves to these actions, Proverbs 2:5 promises two profound results:

• Understand the Fear of the Lord: This refers to cultivating a deep reverence and awe for God. It's about acknowledging His greatness, holiness, and authority, which leads us to worship, honor, and obey Him.
• Find the Knowledge of God: This means gaining a personal understanding of who God is—His character, will, and purposes—and aligning our lives with this knowledge. It involves thinking God's thoughts after Him and living in harmony with His truth.

 

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

Proverbs 2:1-5 reminds us that seeking God's wisdom and knowledge requires active participation, not passivity. The journey to understanding God's truth demands humility, perseverance, and a willingness to prioritize God's Word above all else.

In a world that often values immediate gratification and fleeting pleasures, this passage calls us to a higher pursuit—seeking God's wisdom with the diligence of a treasure hunter. God promises that when we wholeheartedly seek Him, He will reveal Himself to us. This process shapes our lives, strengthens our faith, and transforms us into people who honor God with every thought, word, and action.

 

Reflective Practice

In what ways are you actively seeking God's wisdom and understanding in your life?

Which of the eight actions listed in Proverbs 2:1-5 do you find most challenging, and how can you grow in this area?

How has understanding "the fear of the Lord" or "the knowledge of God" changed your perspective or priorities?

 

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word, which offers us wisdom and leads us into a deeper understanding of your truth. Help us to treasure your commandments and pursue your wisdom with all our hearts. Teach us to incline our ears to your voice, to humbly seek your knowledge, and to diligently search for your truth as for hidden treasures. May we grow in reverence for you and find the knowledge that transforms our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen!

 

[image, Seeking Wisdom, was created by DALL·E.]