The first chapter of Proverbs asks that the reader lean in and read the opening words, given from parents to their son, to see it as counsel to any who seeks to have understanding, to move beyond simple mindedness, folly, and even stupidity. Do you want to be simple, foolish, stupid and therefore of no use to your fellow man, and only a drain upon the kingdom and the world in which you live, or do you wish to be free, a bulwark against ungodliness, a stead anchor in times of storm, bearing fruit in every season? Then get wisdom! Listen to your fathers, your mothers, your Maker as He speaks.

One more sermon that will serve as introduction before we jump into the text of Proverbs. This Sunday we cover a handful of the themes found in the book of Proverbs relating wisdom itself. It is because wisdom is such a glorious gift, springing forth from the Lord of light and life that we ought to "get wisdom." In order to better read, understand, and apply the book of Proverbs with faithfulness let us then look at those themes that grant us greater insight into the true value of wisdom, that gift and treasure that should be sought before all other of God's good gifts. Perhaps you ask me why even continue the series of introductory sermons to the book of Proverbs and why would I now be addressing themes of Proverbs. I can answer that question, simply by stating that when we understand the things that Solomon is, addressing, we better categorize and organize his thoughts for our daily lives. When we understand what Wisdom has to say about life, we better apply Wisdom to our lives.

Last week, as we drive closer towards an exposition of the book of Proverbs itself, having at least looked at the opening verses of Proverbs, focusing upon the gist of the matter recorded in verse 7 - the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. There can be no wisdom without a righteous affection for, devotion to, and longing for the righteousness of God to be manifested in life, in your own heart and in the life of your neighbor. If we are to be wise, and faithful in acquiring and applying wisdom then we must be diligent, faithful, persistent in seeking to plumb the depths of the wisdom and knowledge of God. Let us then be students together, pleading and seeking that which God alone can give.

The Scriptures would have know that wisdom is within reach, and yet it lies just outside the grasp of mere men mortals, for its origin, its source, and the fount from which it springs is not of this earth, but depends entirely upon the revelation of God, one's asking Him for it, and one's surrendering to God's will and just judgment in all things. This is something that we cannot forget, yet we must also remember that though it is within reach, we, sinful men lack the desire, the courage, or the conviction to ask God for it. Wisdom has a fountain, a source from which true knowledge, understanding, and righteous appropriate and application can be found and achieved. That source is none other than the Lord, Himself - His infinite and eternal knowledge and will. He is infinite and unchangeable as it relates to His beauty, His goodness, and HIs knowledge. He is the fount and so the beginning of wisdom is ask God for it.