Where Wisdom Starts

Proverbs 1:1-7

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Where Wisdom Starts

It was 28 years ago that a movie came out which people quoted more than any other movie before and since that time. It was if this one man had an ongoing list of wisdom statements by which he lived his life. The name of that movie was, “Forrest Gump”. Forrest is depicted as a slow-witted guy, with a huge life story to tell. He never thought any less of himself than anybody else in life, and he recaps his whole life to any passers-by. I’ve seen this movie a few times over the years, and I’m inspired by the simplicity of the wisdom that guides him.

Do you remember these statements he made?
… “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.”
… “There’s an awful lot you can tell about a person by their shoes.”
… “You have to do the best with what God gave you.”
… “You’ve got to put the past behind you, before you can move on.”
… “God can hear my prayers, so I pray.”
… “Stupid is as stupid does.”

There was another man who lived thousands of years ago who actually was considered the wisest man (next to Jesus) who ever walked the earth. His name was Solomon. One of his most profound writings is a wonderful book known as Proverbs. In this short book he helps us to catch a glimpse of what makes for a meaningful, wisdom filled life that is worth pursuing at all costs. He challenges us to:

Cry out for insight and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:3-5

This summer we are going to spend some time seeking that wisdom that God truly wants to give us!

Grateful to be on this journey with you,
Pastor John