Lesson 3

Theology Proper

Who is God?

We're working on the steps to wisdom!

Step #1 is to choose to receive the words of God; Positive volition;

Step #2 is to memorize Scripture!

In Prov 2:2 we find the 3^rd step to wisdom.

3. Step #3 Need to establish discipline in the Word.

"Make your ear attentive to wisdom. Incline your heart to understanding."

4. 2:3 Spells out step #4 [one word] Persistence!

For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;

Discernment and understanding brings into view the practical ability to deal with real life situations your facing.

We see this persistence illustrated in vs:4

Have here a simile used as the illustration; persistence in seeking wisdom is likened to searching for silver, and hidden treasures!

*** The search for wisdom and understanding should be as diligent as the search for any precious metal.

Ø The Conclusion:

In vs:5 and 9 we find 2 results detailed;

First result = When you seek true wisdom, you find the God!

Vs:6 gives us the reason that when we seek wisdom, find it, that we have actually found a knowledge of God.

Vs:7 and 8 add three practical benefits to the one who has and uses wisdom.

1. The first benefit = He even stores, tsaphan, stock piles sound wisdom for the upright;

- What's he saying? If you acquire wisdom, as observed in vs:1-4; The God who is the source of that wisdom; will keep stockpiling what you need for any situation in life;

2. Second benefit of living in the sphere of wisdom; 2:7b

"[He is a] shield to those who walk in integrity."

3. Third benefit: vs:8 which compliments vs:7; also deals with practical situations in life.

Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones.

In 2:9 we find the Second Result of wisdom:

Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course.

- righteousness = qd<c, experiential; living out the wisdom acquired, the dvpt;

- justice = mishphat = that which is consistent with what is right and true.

- equity = meyshar rv'ym integrity, and fairness; no deviation from what is straight

Point here is that these characteristics will mark the life of the one with wisdom and living it.

- Justice and equity both emphasize the living out of the wisdom in our dealing with others which speaks of a strong sense of personal ethics.

Basic view of Proverbs/Hebrew thought: The truly wise one was also righteous and the intelligent one was also godly.

- 2:10-11 Wisdom gives both pleasure and stability

- 2:12-15 details what the wisdom/discretion delivers, protects you from.

#1 Vs:12 speak perverse things,

#2 Vs 13 ones who leave the paths of righteousness to walk in darkness.

#3 Vs:14 They rejoice in evil; perversity = tahpukah lit. perverse things; thought or spoken

#4 vs:15 Their ways, pattern of life is crooked!

To know God and to have a relationship with Him so that who He is influences who you are! His character flows from you since your operating from the same viewpoint.