Proverbs 2:6-8

These passages are such a great blessing for those who receive wisdom and are calling for more. Unlike the situation the foolish and ungodly will find themselves with their lack of wisdom, the upright will find these verses are such a blessing. Let us look at each verse.

Proverbs 2:6 – We find the Lord gives the wisdom that is desired. What is interesting is that all wisdom goes back to God, while God is the one who gives all wisdom! It is very circular in its flow. God gives true wisdom which leads to God.

But we also find that it is from His mouth that knowledge and understanding gives. This wisdom, which we went through in Proverbs 1:20-21, is the same wisdom that now we find comes from the mouth of the Lord. What does this mean to us?

There are many who pursue after wisdom for God, but they do so chasing after all forms of spiritualistic rituals. They move into mysticism too far while ignoring the written Word of God. This pursuit outside the Word of God can and will lead to all forms of spiritual wickedness because it opens the door to influences of spirits that God never wants true believers to follow. This is why there is the warning found in 1 John 4:1. The true spirit will lead back to God, will end at His feet in humble submission, and will NEVER violate Scripture.

God has given us what we need, and we need what God has given us. The Bible, God’s Word, is true, objective, and absolute. Even in that we are unable to understand everything, we are always safe staying within the written Word. Be careful of any teaching that expands beyond the Scripture and adds to or interprets Scripture outside the context that is found. Read the Word of God, cherish it, grow by it, love it. In the Word of God we will find the way to life which is in Jesus Christ. Through the Bible we will find the knowledge and understanding from God to us. But even then, that is not all of God’s wisdom (Romans 11:33).

For the believer, we have His wisdom. We have His guidance. That is one of the many things He gives to us because of our faith and trust in Him. We can rejoice and praise God for this blessing that is reserved ONLY for those who trust in Him. 

Then we turn to Proverbs 2:7. For those who are upright, or who are doing what is right, there is wisdom that is stored up. It is not stretching out a limited supply but it is full, and filling. The upright will never exhaust this wisdom but instead will always find more than they can ever need given to them by God whom they are standing upright before.

But this blessing does not end there. For those who are upright, God is also a shield to those who walk uprightly. Not only are those who are upright are given wisdom, but also those who WALK and do what is upright, will be protected by God. The Psalmist repeats this in several places: Psalm 3:1-4; Psalm 28:2-7; Psalm 33:18-22; Psalm 84:9-12, etc. This theme of being a shield to those who are doing what is right is powerful.

How many try to expand their wisdom and protect themselves on their own strength? They sadly fail to accomplish this because the only way for there to be true and lasting protection and wisdom is to be upright in all we do before God. How sad is it to see the world pursuing after protection and wisdom only to fall flat on their face while the whole time it is offered to them but they reject it? Pray for them, Christian. Pray the world turns around and sees the truth they have been denying all this time.

But for those of us who are walking upright, not according to our own understanding, or our own opinion, or what our culture, peers, and society around us pressure us to believe is upright, but what God’s Word says is to be upright, then this blessing is there for us. We will have His wisdom. We will have His protection. What a mighty God we serve.

Then we jump to Proverbs 2:8 and this theme and protection to the believers. There are two parts that are more important in our culture today. We now see He, God, is guarding the paths of justice.

Justice. This is a trigger word today. Everyone is looking for justice. Everyone is wanting justice to be done. But, what they are seeking is not justice. What they are seeking is: retribution to some wrong that they had no part in. They want revenge against those who disagree with them politically. They want to destroy their enemies using the justice system. And do not be fooled. The justice system in our nation is not just. The blindfold has slipped. There are two standards of justice depending on if you are in the right crowd and political party.

This is not true justice. Here is a test. Someone says they just want justice for the wrongs done, will they also seek justice against those who attack business owners for making money? How about justice for the wealthy when they are taken advantage of? Justice, in the mind of those who are most vocal about justice is a one way street. Usually these are ignored or passed over by saying, “They are greedy”, or, “they are the problem”. Justice judges EVERYONE equally and perfectly.

Where does that justice come from? The only place I know of true justice is from God. Now we have a true standard that must be met. One a simple test? How about Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. How about in the New Testament with Matthew 5:21-30? Many will toss that out because it is too hard, or, “If I do my best, God will weigh out my good vs bad.” What does the Bible say? James 2:10 destroys that. But even more, these are just small bits of the law. There are actually 613ish laws that demand perfection in all of it.

How is this handled by the world? “The Bible is false, written by man, and is contradictory.” It is as though they want justice but they want THEIR justice. That is not justice at all. And we see this in our nation as justice, true justice, is manipulated, twisted, and perverted. God’s Justice is hated because there is none who is right. But God’s Justice will stand and none will be able to manipulate that. So instead of bending the knee to the King, they raise a fist in rebellion.

Lastly, we find that the paths of the saints are preserved. Not only does His Word light the path (Psalm 119:105), but it is also guarded by Him. What do we do when there are believers who are persecuted and martyred for their faith? Did God fail? No. The death of the saints are sweet (Psalm 116:15), but death for the saint is not a thing to fear. Their souls are still protected (Matthew 10:28). For the saint, their soul will live for eternity. They are still protected, and God will get vengeance on those who are His enemies and harm His people (Deuteronomy 32:35). There is a great song by Sovereign Grace called, “It Is Not Death To Die” and it powerfully illustrates this point.

Through the testimony of the saints, God’s name is proclaimed and His truth is preached. It is sad that many Christians go through these trials, but there will come a day when they will be avenged. That will be a dark day for the sinner (remember our discussion on Proverbs 1:10?).

So, dearly beloved, take rest in these passages. If you are upright and walking upright as God is calling, then these verses should bring you peace and hope. If you are not saved, may these verses convict you to confess your sins, repent from them, and come to the only place where there is true freedom and life. It is only in Jesus Christ.