Grab Hold, For Dear Life!

Have you ever had someone take up for you when you were at a disadvantage?

For example, perhaps you were being bullied by someone bigger and stronger. Then, an older brother or friend stepped in and defended you.

Or, perhaps you were being cast aside by coworkers after having asserted yourself in a meeting. You had spent time and energy putting together a proposal only to have it attacked or casually dismissed. Then, a coworker or someone in a position above you stepped in to suggest that your idea had merit and should be considered.

Children depend upon their parents watch over them at all times; to defend them when wronged; to guard them from dangers of life they have not yet learned.

The Bible teaches that wisdom is a defender and guardian.

It is so easy to think of the wisdom of God as a kind of intellectual pursuit; as if it is all about knowing stuff and thinking and pondering. However, Solomon described wisdom as the older brother, stronger friend, valued coworker, loving parent--Wisdom is one who will guard you and watch over you.

Do not forsake her,
    and she will guard you;
Love her,
    and she will watch over you.
--Proverbs 4:6

The Hebrew terms for ‘guard’ and ‘watch over’ are synonyms, the second having, perhaps, a greater emphasis on an assertive defense.

The wise man instructed: Do not forsake her. That means, do not turn your back on wisdom.

I have been sorely disappointed by many studies and classes on the Book of Proverbs. A proverb would be presented followed by long explanations illustrating the proverb and perceived exceptions. They were nothing other than presumptuous evaluations of God’s word. So many times proverbs have been watered down in meaning so that the perceived ’exception’ won the day as truth and the proverb was virtually cast aside as something that was only sometimes true...maybe.

When we diminish the meaning of the Proverbs, we are forsaking wisdom. When we hurry to find exceptions we contradict what God has revealed; we forsake wisdom.

In contrast, when we embrace the wisdom that God has revealed and live by it, we demonstrate a ’love for wisdom.’

God’s wisdom is not revealed to make you into some sort of wise sage who offers advice. Rather, His wisdom is designed to guard you like an older brother, to watch over you like a loving parent, and defend you like a valued coworker. And to what end is this guarding and watching and defending?

God breathed life into man and, man became a living soul. God’s desire is to save your soul from death. Wisdom is for the purpose of life, now and forever.

Don’t turn away from wisdom, grab hold!!

Wisdom IS Life!

Mark Stinnett