Cornerstone

Proverbs 2:1-15

In the text for our consideration a number of If/Then propositions are made. Each of these involves the wisdom of God which is referred to repeatedly the book of Proverbs. “Wisdom” in Proverbs may be regarded not as a mere personification of the attribute of wisdom, but as a divine person, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24. In this particular portion of Scripture the Hebrew word Chakam is used. It is an important word in the Scriptures and is used to speak of “good and evil, prudence in secular matters, skill in arts, experience in Divine things, and even dexterity in magic.” (Girdlestones Synonyms of the Old Testament pp 89-90). The Greek form of the word which is used in the Septuagint is Sophia. The word as used in this context is narrowed in scope somewhat to refer to living a life that is pleasing to God. This is done by having a proper honor of God and by learning how to properly conduct himself in everyday life so that the principles of godly wisdom are applied. Doing this always brings glory to God. By exercising Chakam the reader is assured that he will finally come to understand the fear of the Lord and will find the knowledge of God. This can only be accomplished, however, by living for God because wisdom is a gift from God (vs. 6). Paul referred to this concept when he said that spiritual things are spiritually discerned. This is not to say that pagans can not learn about the Bible and learn lessons from it. It does suggest that to develop a relationship with God and understand things from His perspective that we must give our hearts and lives to God. When you see things through the eyes of God, have an inward inclination to do what you have perceived and then carry this into practice you can say that you are exercising true wisdom. Thus to carefully exercise godly wisdom is to pattern our lives after than of Jesus Christ who is “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Matthew Henry once said, Those who earnestly seek heavenly wisdom, will never complain that they have lost their labor; and the freeness of the gift does not do away the necessity of our diligence, John 6:27. . . When wisdom has

dominion over us, then it not only fills the head, but enters into the heart, and will preserve, both against corruptions within and temptations without. Matthew Henrys Commentary Proverbs 2.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Numbers 14:13-19 (17)

The young man was busily installing a window air conditioner in his home. He wanted his visiting parents to be comfortable. He placed the case in the window and then carefully secured and braced it. The opening on either side of the casing was then measured, filled and chalked. Finally he was ready to place the air conditioner into the case. He maneuvered the heavy appliance into place in front of the window. Next he lifted the back of the air conditioner onto the edge of the case. Reaching down he tried to lift the front up so that he could slide it into the case. Then unexpectedly one corner of the air conditioner slipped off the case. The weight of the appliance jerked the young man off balance. Using all his strength, he awkwardly held the tilting hunk of steel in place. His mind raced. What should he do? It was then that the unpremeditated cry sprang to his lips, “DAD, come and help me quickly!”

So many times we try to work out all the details in our lives. We seem to do well for awhile. Then things go wrong. At that time we cry out, “God, help me!” What we know and yet repeatedly seem to forget is that He would come to our aid before we get into a crisis situation if we would just call upon Him.

Dr. Gayle Woods