Decisions in life must be informed with knowledge. Why? Because it shapes how we think through problems we are confronted with, which will ultimately unveil the course of action we take. However, having knowledge within itself does not prosper us. It wholly depends on the source of info that we have received and accepted. To be clear, knowledge takes many forms and can come from many places and serve many purposes. There is information we can acquire the serves a pragmatic purpose like in fixing a car, preparing recipe for a meal, or taking a certification exam for a desired occupation. This is not type of knowledge Solomon refers to in this verse. He speaks of a truth that forms our worldview and guides our entire course of life.
With that being said, we must understand that in the Christian life, our sole source of knowledge is God. The Bible teaches us that true wisdom is to first know Him. Through growing in the understanding his will and character can we then receive (by faith) his truth that guide us in navigating the many decisions of life. This truth is critical because all knowledge is neither helpful nor good. If we embrace bad info, we shall make bad decisions. Only by seeking God can receive the divine gift of his wisdom that will always prosper our lives. Solomon describes the root of true knowledge (Prv 1:2-4), “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight (3) to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; (4) to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth.”
Further, we never stop growing in the knowledge of God. We persist each day to know more and more of him. Being wise is not static state. We never stop learning and receiving instruction, for Solomon continues (Prv 1:5), “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” On this foundation, he gives this warning in our focus text, “Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray away from the words knowledge.” The definition of a wise man in the eyes of God is one who will continually receive guidance from him (Prv 9:8-9). On the contrary, a foolish person will close his ears from hearing God (cease to hear instruction) and fall away from truth and it prospering fruit. To do so is to hate our own lives, or as Solomon describes the perils of failing to possess God’s wisdom (Prv 8:35-36), “For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, (36) but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”
My friends, let us heed the warnings from heaven. If you truly want to prosper in this life, only God holds the keys to such blessing. Trust in him always that you may grow spiritually and prosper in the earth. Let us be like an little one that must continually eat several times a day that it may grow. Let us nourish ourselves off of Jesus, and heed his Word that exhorts us (1 Pt 2:2), “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow into salvation.” Amen!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com