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Proverbial Knowledge
The Book of Proverbs is also known as the Book of Wisdom. The word “wisdom” in all its forms ARE found in Proverbs one hundred and twenty-seven times. The Book of Proverbs could just as well be called the Book of Knowledge. The word “knowledge” in all its different forms is found in Proverbs sixty-seven times. The Book of Proverbs says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It also says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Although these two words have different meanings, many times they are interrelated. We can have knowledge without wisdom, but we cannot have wisdom without knowledge.
While the Book of Proverbs instructs us on the virtues and importance of knowledge and wisdom, the entire Bible gives us all the information we need regarding the knowledge of God. All we need to know about God, as well as how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians, is found in the Bible. We need to possess godly knowledge, understanding and wisdom if we are going to please God and walk in faith.
The Book of Proverbs gives us insight into the importance and virtues of knowledge. Proverbs also gives us detailed instruction of how important knowledge is and how the virtues of knowledge can lead us to victory and freedom in Christ.
Proverbs is a compilation of parables, poetry, short stories and maxims which teaches us the importance of knowledge and wisdom. Proverbs is a book which was inspired by God to give us insight into knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Because Solomon asked God for wisdom and knowledge rather than riches, God imparted wisdom and knowledge to him and gave him riches as well. Most of the Proverbs were written by King Solomon as he grew more and more knowledgeable concerning the things of God.
If we are going to be free from the pitfalls of sin and the snares of the enemy, perception and insight into the mind and heart of God is imperative. Knowledge can be a fortress of information which will establish the Kingdom of God in our hearts and minds. The fiery darts of the enemy cannot penetrate the mind where TRUTH is fully established and entrenched.
The Book of Proverbs is filled with the knowledge, wisdom and understanding we need as Christians. In order to build up Holy strongholds and fortifications in the “spirit of our mind” we must possess the “knowledge of God.” The Bible tell us to be renewed in the “spirit of our mind.” (Ephesians, 4:23). Without godly knowledge, Christians will be unable to operate effectively and efficiently in the Kingdom of God.
There are many promises given to Believers who acquire and use the knowledge of God properly. Some of those promises include wisdom, righteousness, long life, peace, and understanding, just to name a few. Proverbs tells us” the righteous are delivered through knowledge.” Knowledge is the first step to finding deliverance.
When we are FILLED with the knowledge of God, along with wisdom and understanding, we can be assured that we have all the information we need to be successful in life. If we reject the knowledge of God, we can be assured we will find ourselves in a deep, dark pit devoid of LIGHT and understanding.
THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES ARE A COMPILATION OF SOME OF THE BEST PRINCIPLES REGARDING KNOWLEDGE FOUND IN THE BOOK OF PROVERBS:
The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, King of Israel. To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs, Chapter 1, Verses 1- 7.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs, Chapter 1, Verse 7.
How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. Proverbs, Chapter 1, Verse 22.
Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me, because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. Proverbs, Chapter 1, Verses 28-29.
When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you. Proverbs, Chapter 2, Verses 10-11.
By knowledge the depths were broken up and clouds drop down the dew. Proverbs, Chapter 3, Verse 20.
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and that your lips may keep knowledge. Proverbs, Chapter 5, Verses 1-2.
Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared to her. Proverbs, Chapter 8, Verses 10-11.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy one is understanding. Proverbs, Chapter 9, Verse 10.
The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. Proverbs, Chapter 11, Verse 9.
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. Proverbs, Chapter 12, Verse 23.
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly. Proverbs, Chapter 13, Verse 16.
A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands. Go from the presence of the foolish man, when you do not perceive knowledge in him, Proverbs, Chapter 14, Verses 6-7.
The tongue of the wise uses knowledge, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Proverbs, Chapter 15, Verse 2.
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so. Proverbs, Chapter 15, Verse 7.
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. Proverbs, Chapter 15, Verse 14.
He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Proverbs, Chapter 17, Verse 27.
The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Proverbs, Chapter 18, Verse 15.
Cease listening to instruction my son and you will stray from the words of knowledge. Proverbs, Chapter 19, Verse 27.
There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Proverbs, Chapter 20, Verse 15.
The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but He overthrows the words of the faithless. Proverbs, Chapter 22, Verse 12.
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them with you; let them all be fixed upon your lips, so that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you, excellent things of counsels and knowledge? Proverbs, Chapter 22, Verses 17-20.
Many people make decisions based upon the knowledge and understanding they possess. Others make decisions based on what they hear others say. Still others make decisions based on their selfish motives and attitudes. Our decision making process will be unfruitful and can be extremely dangerous without wisdom.
Most Christians make decisions based on “knowledge” which they have stored up in the soulish realm. They do not seek God and wait on Him for wisdom and understanding, when making important decisions. In failing to seek God for wisdom and understanding they find themselves burdened with many heartaches and sorrows. Many people search the scriptures for wisdom when they need to make important decisions. However, most of the time they improperly interpret what the Bible teaches. Truth must always be rightly divided and placed in its proper perspective.
Scripture is not always a “one size fits all” solution to solve all our problems. When we KNOW the truth, the truth will set us free. It is the truth we KNOW which can and will set us free from bondage. It is the truth which is understood in proper perspective which gives us the knowledge and wisdom we need to make quality decisions.
As important as knowledge is, without wisdom and understanding we will fail. If we fail to use knowledge wisely, we will not be able to be faithful witnesses of the truth as we go into all the World to share the Gospel with others.
As we “grow” in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will become more than conquers over all the works of the enemy. Possessing the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD and the KEY OF KNOWLEDGE will take us to places in Christ which we never dreamed were possible.
YOU HAVE DEALT WELL WITH YOUR SERVANT, O LORD, ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. TEACH ME GOOD JUDGEMENT AND KNOWLEDGE, FOR I BELIEVE IN YOUR COMMANDMENTS. Psalm 119, Verse 66.