The Singularity of Wisdom

The book of Proverbs is a book written by a father to his sons. 
Proverbs 4:1–2 (ESV) Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, 2 for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.

The father who wants his sons to succeed imparts wisdom as he received it:
Proverbs 4:3–4 (ESV) When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.

The entire fourth chapter of Proverbs is an appeal to gain wisdom which underscores just how important it is to make it the aim of one's life. 
Proverbs 4:7–8 (ESV) The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. 8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.

The way of wisdom is more than protective care over one's life, it is enablement in all of one's endeavors:
Proverbs 4:11–13 (ESV) I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. 12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.

Conversely, on the opposite side of wisdom again is folly. And the writer addresses that as follows:
Proverbs 4:14–16 (ESV) Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. 15 Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. 16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.

What I notice in this chapter's contrast is that wisdom is singular and the path of the wicked is plural. This is a picture for us. For wisdom calls out as one voice - the Lord is her author. But folly and wickedness are rampant and popular. 

What must we do? We must see it and respond appropriately. Following the crowd to destruction is always going to be present. People will always be ready to lead you away from the path of life and strength to follow their foolishness. But a God-fearer listens to the voice of singularity in wisdom.

It is perhaps this reality that makes gaining wisdom so difficult. In order to gain her we have to ignore so many others. We have to shut off so many other options to listen and hear. In effect, we have to embrace isolation from all that this world considers proper and be okay with being the outsider. 

In other words: The secret to gaining wisdom is to reject those many other voices. 

So the writer ends chapter four:
Proverbs 4:25–27 (ESV) Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. 27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.



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