Wisdom's Target

When God speaks, to whom does He speak? When God provides wisdom, to whom does He provide it?

It seems intuitive that God intends to bless the naïve and youths with wisdom, because those are the two groups that especially need it. God blesses them by giving them His word which contains wise principles and instructions. We should all be mindful to bless those younger and less mature than us with the wisdom which God has given us.

At the same time, we must be careful to define our opening questions according to God’s Word. Sometimes God does surprising things; He does things that seem counterintuitive to us as fallen human beings. This is a case like that.

The book of Proverbs is arguably the greatest single body of direct wisdom writing in the Scriptures (though all of the words of God demonstrate His wisdom, without a doubt). Proverbs is targeted wisdom, directing us how to live before God in a wise and righteous manner. To whom is the book of Proverbs addressed?

We see, just as we expected, that in Proverbs 1:4 the author says his words are directed to the naïve and to the youth. What we may not have expected is that he also wrote Proverbs for the “wise man” and the “man of understanding,” that is, for those people who had advanced far in the wisdom enterprise (cf. 1:5). Think about the implications of this for a moment.

What this means is that God’s Word (in this case the book of Proverbs) is something that we can never outgrow. We will always need the wisdom of God to help us understand the world in which we live. We will always need God’s wise instructions to help us live a life that pleases Him (cf. 2 Cor. 5:9, Eph. 5:10). Whatever our stage in life or maturity, we must rely on the Lord.

Whether we are wise or naïve, old or young, let us humble ourselves underneath the mighty hand of God. Let us submit to His Word in joy, trusting that our God knows best, and ever growing in reliance on Him. Truly, He is good to help us (Prov. 3:5-6).

--Dean of Admissions

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

               --Solomon the Son of David, King of Israel

               Proverbs 1:7